Monday, December 8th
Read Isaiah 24:1-16a.
When I think about the stories and teachings of the Bible, this is not what usually comes to mind. You most likely won’t hear a GCN kids lesson talking about the total devastation of the earth or see verses about a curse devouring the land on a Hobby Lobby sign. This feels like an unlikely piece of our Bible to read in anticipation for Christmas, even though it really does feel like it was written on a Monday in the dark days of winter.
In this new week, we reflect on peace. Isaiah 24 describes this moment when the world stops because there is nothing good left. This pause is not for rest in order to rebuild but the final moment when the consequences of chaos are on full display. We are met today not with a vision of peace but of depletion. This is not a blooming garden but a shriveled mess of weeds.
How accurate does this feel today? What relationships, responsibilities, or realities feel like they are in shambles?
The peace of Advent can only be true good news when we are able to recognize the real chaos in the world. The savior we wait for is called the Prince of Peace. Not only is there peace on the way, but the peace of God will start to change the landscape of ruins into something new.
Challenge:
What are the areas of life that feel too far gone? Make a list of those today and sit with that list in front of you. Then, imagine what the Prince of Peace could do in those places. As you pray, invite God to be with you in the chaos and help you accept the peace of God extended to us in this season of anticipation.
Written by Pastor Lauren Miller
When I think about the stories and teachings of the Bible, this is not what usually comes to mind. You most likely won’t hear a GCN kids lesson talking about the total devastation of the earth or see verses about a curse devouring the land on a Hobby Lobby sign. This feels like an unlikely piece of our Bible to read in anticipation for Christmas, even though it really does feel like it was written on a Monday in the dark days of winter.
In this new week, we reflect on peace. Isaiah 24 describes this moment when the world stops because there is nothing good left. This pause is not for rest in order to rebuild but the final moment when the consequences of chaos are on full display. We are met today not with a vision of peace but of depletion. This is not a blooming garden but a shriveled mess of weeds.
How accurate does this feel today? What relationships, responsibilities, or realities feel like they are in shambles?
The peace of Advent can only be true good news when we are able to recognize the real chaos in the world. The savior we wait for is called the Prince of Peace. Not only is there peace on the way, but the peace of God will start to change the landscape of ruins into something new.
Challenge:
What are the areas of life that feel too far gone? Make a list of those today and sit with that list in front of you. Then, imagine what the Prince of Peace could do in those places. As you pray, invite God to be with you in the chaos and help you accept the peace of God extended to us in this season of anticipation.
Written by Pastor Lauren Miller