Week 1: Day 4

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12

In the same way Advent does not begin in a stable, it does not end in a garden. The good news is that even though we all have gone astray, apple in our hand and control in our eyes, the story is only just beginning.

And though they would forget him, and run from him, deep in their hearts, God’s children would miss him always, and long for him--lost children yearning for their home.

Before they left the garden, God whispered a promise to Adam and Eve:

“It will not always be so! I will come to rescue you! And when I do, I’m going to do battle against the snake. I’ll get rid of the sin and the dark and the sadness you let in here. I’m coming back for you!”

And he would. One day, God himself would come.

-The Jesus Storybook Bible

If the news of the season is true, you can never be the same. If God himself came, then the longing for something more can be filled. The fruit will always look appealing. Your mind will wander and your feet will run. But, you were never meant to live in the empty longing of the apple. You have always been meant to prosper in the hand of the Lord. God himself came to fight a battle to bring you home.

Whatever it looks like for you and wherever you are, this is the

season to come back home.

Prayer: 

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen. (Martin Luther)