Saturday, December 7, 2024

 

Walking in Hope and Healing

During Advent, we are called to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior. The readings today remind us of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness, calling us to embrace hope and healing in our lives.

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26

The prophet Isaiah paints a vision of restoration: Verses 19-21:

“Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.””

This passage assures us of God’s attentiveness to our cries and His promise to guide us. In Advent, as we navigate challenges, Isaiah reminds us that God’s love is ever-present, like a gentle voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” The restoration of the land symbolizes the abundance and healing that God brings into our lives through Christ.

Psalm 147:1-12

“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving!” The psalm reflects God’s care for creation and humanity, binding up the wounds of the brokenhearted and sustaining us with His mighty power. During Advent, our hearts are invited to sing in gratitude, recognizing that even in waiting, God is already at work—healing, providing, and preparing us for the fullness of His kingdom.

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Paul offers a profound message of hope for those grieving or weary: “We do not want you to grieve as others do who have no hope.” The promise of Christ’s return assures us that death and despair are not the end. Advent is a time to anchor ourselves in this hope, living with the assurance that God’s ultimate victory is near.

Matthew 9:35—10:1, 5-8

In the Gospel, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds, “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He responds by empowering His disciples to heal, cast out evil, and proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom. Advent challenges us to become agents of this compassion, extending Christ’s healing touch to a broken world.

Reflection

Advent is not a passive season but one of active preparation and expectation. Each of today’s readings speaks to a dimension of God’s Advent promise:

• Hope Restored: In Isaiah and Thessalonians, we are reminded that God is a God of hope, even in our darkest seasons. His guidance and assurance of eternal life with Christ invite us to lift our eyes beyond immediate struggles.

• Healing Given: The psalm and Gospel focus on God’s compassionate care and call to heal. As followers of Christ, we are invited not only to receive His healing but also to share it with others. This might mean comforting the grieving, reaching out to the marginalized, or simply being present to someone in need.

This Advent, let us reflect:

• Where do I need to hear God’s voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it”?

• How can I be a channel of hope and healing for those around me?

As we light the Advent candles, let their glow remind us of the light breaking into our world—the light of Christ who heals, restores, and redeems. May we live in joyful anticipation of His coming, both at Christmas and in glory.

Prayer

Loving God,

You are our hope and healer. As we journey through Advent, open our hearts to Your voice, guiding us along the path of life. Strengthen us to bring Your compassion to a world in need. May we be a light for others, reflecting the joy and peace of Your coming kingdom. Amen.

by David Oluyibi

 

 

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Chris Tomlin