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December 9, 2007 - 2nd Sunday in Advent
- A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
- and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
- The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him,
- the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
- the spirit of counsel and might,
- the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
-- Isaiah 11:1-2
The prophet Isaiah offered a promising image of hope during a time of great
darkness. At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, Israel appeared to be no more than a
dead stump in the midst of her enemies. Yet out of this stump Isaiah promises that a
living branch will grow.
As Christians we believe Jesus, a descendant of Jesse to be this living branch.
Upon him rested the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and
fear of the Lord. Through him God brought new life and love to the world. Through him
God continues to bring life out of death each day.
Where do you long for new life? Commend your longings onto the living presence of
Christ and watch for signs of new life.
We pray: Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.
By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever. Amen
Lessons for the 2nd Sunday in Advent:
- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Romans 15:4-13
- Matthew 1:6-16
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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