Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 on biblegateway.com
Devotion
The Eve of the Incarnation is but tomorrow, and then the feast. The fourth candle was just newly lit. We’re supposed to be in a spirit of Advent, some state of contemplative bliss. But the jingles, sales and rush for Christmas bend Advent to themselves no matter our wishes. Purists tell us to get with the season! Turn off those Christmas tunes! Break the ties that bind! They forget that God’s breaking open happens in the midst of our ordinary existence, both in the stillness and in the storm. God will save us in the midst of our strained affections, earthly preoccupations and anxious waiting. This is trustworthy and true.
Prayer
O Lord, help us to see the true reason for the season, even in this late hour. Keep our eyes focused on you, through Advent and into the coming year. Amen.