Quick Summary:

The prophetic texts we’re hearing from ISAIAH these four weeks offer up expansive portraits of the in breaking of God's reign of peace, God's shalom. As we tune in to Isaiah this Advent, be ready to have your breath taken away by the incredible sweeping vision, the all encompassing majesty of God's dream taking flight.

Another of the early themes of Advent is captured in the New Testament texts we have before us this morning: watchfulness, wakefulness, vigilance. Both St. Paul and Jesus speak in urgent tones of our need to be ready to welcome the Son of Man when he returns. Jesus pushes the envelope on the suddenness of that appearing, even comparing the return to a thief who comes unexpectedly in the night.

Truth be told, we can't prepare or purchase our way to peace of mind no matter how many drills we practice. Ultimately, preparation of this sort is not an act of will, but an act of faith. For it is faith—putting our trust in the One who is worthy of trust—that enables us to look the world square in to eye without retreating between the bedcovers. As we begin this season, and a new church year, we hang our hopes on God's design. We peer beneath the brokenness and superficiality of what this season has become, and look for the eyes of Emmanuel, and for his light.