Weekly Advent Devotions

Week 1: Hope

Read Isaiah 9:1-7.

Key verses: “1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”

The prophet Isaiah announced that Christ would be the great Light who brings joy into the shadow-land. In the previous chapters, Isaiah 7 and 8, the history of Israel’s oppression during Isaiah’s day are recorded. The nation was surrounded by invading armies, the city of Jerusalem was under siege, and in this dark hour, the Lord told Isaiah to offer some encouragement to King Ahaz of Jerusalem. The Israelites would move from darkness to light, from sorrow to joy.

With all of the political and societal division in America right now, and with the onslaught of war still ongoing in Europe and in the Middle East, the big picture can feel really dark and really frightening to many. Maybe you tend to keep your head out of the political noise of national and global news because you’re facing an onslaught of darkness in your workplace, in your home, or in your own head.

It is no accident that Advent, a season of anticipation, is very often associated with deep, emotional pain. Grief, sorrow, and anxiousness were all felt by the Israelites in their difficult circumstances, even after being told of their coming Savior. And we too will continue to face and fight the darkness, but we have a great hope to cling to.

Isaiah tells of the future glory for Jerusalem in 60:1-3, when the ultimate redemption of Israel is accomplished, the glory of Immanuel will visibly dwell in Zion as a light so bright that we won’t need the sun or the moon anymore. And all nations, all people, will be drawn to this radiant light.

This is the hope that we have, friend. Though we walk in darkness, in brokenness, through the valley of the shadow of death, we can fear no evil. Because Jesus came and He is Immanuel, God with us.

The first week of Advent centers around this theme of hope and often takes us to prophecies from the Old Testament, like in our reading today. The prophets anticipated the birth of Jesus, just as we are anticipating the celebration of His birth, but their hope was two-fold. The prophets also awaited the fulfillment of God’s promises to restore, redeem, and reconcile – and we await this too! Jesus is coming again, and we have a great and glorious light to look forward to.

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Reflection