First Saturday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 4:2-6

Key Verse(s): In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorified, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. ~Isaiah 4:2

After the judgment and the destruction comes life and fruitfulness. For Israel these words from Isaiah would have produced the kind of hope that sustains a person through the most difficult circumstances. A day is coming when this time of chastisement will end. There will be survivors, and the land will again be fruitful. Once again God’s presence will be known in the land. There is a reference to a “cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night” (Isa 4:5). This would have instantly recalled for the Israelites God’s presence in a similar manner when the people of Israel fled Egypt. God is promising that he will come again and be with his people and he will be “a booth for shade…a refuge and a shelter” (Isa 4:6). These are words to bring hope to a dying people, a lost and wandering people. “The branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorified” (Isa 4:2). This is ultimately a reference to Jesus, the Messiah. Elsewhere Isaiah speaks of “a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him” (Isa 11:1-2). In our difficult times now we can rest assured that Jesus is in our midst, that he seeks to bear fruit in our lives if we remain connected to him, the True Vine (Jn 15:1-11).

Reflect: The Israelites could look back on past events like the pillar of smoke and cloud as reminders from their history of God’s presence and activity in their midst. Make a list today of times that God has revealed himself to you. Look at it frequently, especially during difficult times, as a reminder that God is on your side and will not leave you or forsake you.

Almighty God and Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you will return to your people and that joy and light will come again after darkness and sadness. Help me to always find my hope in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Luke 21:5-19 Psalm 20