Isaiah 40:1-9
“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”
(Isaiah 40:8)
Our live Christmas tree has been up in our family room since the end of November. Initially, Cindy was filling the stand with water every day and the thirsty tree was drinking every drop. Now, two weeks into our holiday cheer, the tree is drinking less and we are hoping that it hangs in there until Christmas day! The ornaments and lights will keep it sparkling until the holidays are over, but when the tree is taken down, its dry branches will leave little reminders on the carpet that it’s time has come and gone.
Isaiah reminds us today that we are like the grass or the flowers that are beautiful in their season, but soon wither and fade. That may not be much of an encouraging Advent thought for today, but hope isn’t found in the reality of our human frailty, but in the eternal Godwhose word will stand forever. To a people in exile, the prophet seeks to give a perspective for living that doesn’t count on the temporary, but rather the eternal.
When the angel came to Mary with news that God had chosen her to bear the Savior of the world, he declared that the child would “reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Amidst the temporary, God was sending a gift of eternal hope that would not wither or fade. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: Eternal God, for the living hope we know through the gift of Christmas, Jesus, the Christ, we give you thanks. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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