Saturday, December 3 ~ Isaiah 11:1-2

1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

People find meaning in work which calls one to the service of others, or in rich human connections, or in following a leader or cause that can give purpose to living. When these diminish or fail, some have the good fortune to discover a cause and a leader that enhance that meaning. As they struggle for answers to personal and social problems, as they realize that respected politicians and celebrities have feet of clay, they hope to find again that Jesus who gives purpose to their lives. They need the wisdom he will share with them if they welcome his coming.

These words of the prophet Isaiah leapt from the pages of the scriptures of the first followers of Jesus. They had seen Jesus’ compassion and power over “evil spirits” that immobilized people. They had witnessed his wise teachings. They realized that this was the leader for whom their nation longed.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that in Jesus we will find someone whose spirit radiates wisdom and understanding. Help us once again to welcome His coming in this Advent season. Through Him, give our lives meaning and purpose. In His name we pray. Amen.

- Ed Colquhoun