ZPCBlog

Editor's Note

About the author: Val Lindenschmidt has attended ZPC since 1999. She and husband John joined the church in 2012. She is currently a ZPC Elder.

About this post: This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals where we are exploring traditional Advent themes of hope, joy, peace, and love. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpc advent to 39970. Advent booklets are also available at the ZPC Welcome Center. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 1:24-31

When I think about Advent, I think about anticipation and the preparation we undertake as a result. The whole month is about preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our baby Savior – the one sent to give us hope, eternal life, and forgiveness of sins. I get caught up in the earthly preparation – decorating, shopping, baking, and organizing – and somehow the preparation FOR Jesus coming gets lost. I am praying this year will be different.

My husband John and I became first time grandparents in April. It has been amazing! We watch every day for a new sound, or trick, or giggle. We spend hours watching him eat new foods, mimic our faces, and learn to return hugs. Every day is a new day of discovery and reminders of miracles. The miracle of our grandchild has reminded us of how immense God’s love is. His promises are so much bigger than than we can imagine.

When I read today's scripture from Isaiah, I find it hard to think of foes and vengeance, purging and impurities, being broken and forsaken. How do I balance all of that with the innocence I see in my grandson? How do we introduce him to all that God has in store for him and not get lost in the day-to-day darkness in life?

The hope in it all comes at the end of the passage, just as it comes at the end of Advent with the birth of Jesus. 

You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted. (Isaiah 1:29)

To me, this means the things I have prioritized (or kept sacred), won’t begin to compare to what God values. The wonder of his gift is so much more than we can ever earn or deserve. I love that God sent his son as a child – innocent, vulnerable, trusting, and in need of incredible care to survive – just like us.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for sending your son in the form of an innocent child. His perfection and newness remind us that there is joy and wonder in each gift we receive through you. Help us to slow down and see those moments for what they are, miraculous. Help us to embrace the anticipation and promise of Advent.

Amen

Share