The first Sunday of Advent, Isaiah “saw” people from all the nations streaming to Jerusalem where God would instruct them in ways of peace.  The warring nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares…”         

        On Dec. 8 we again turn to Isaiah where the prophet sees new life and fresh possibilities springing forth from unlikely places.  The new life described will include all living things. “The wolf shall live with the lamb.”  Peace will be experienced by everyone and all of creation.

        The Third Sunday of Advent finds Isaiah in the desert where another transformation has taken place.  The dry, barren, lifeless desert has come alive with flowers blooming everywhere.  Wholeness will be experienced by all people.

        The fourth and final Sunday of Advent, Isaiah sees what no one else does, a young woman about to give birth.  The child will be named “Immanuel” reminding everyone that God is with us.  We also turn to the gospel of Matthew where we find Joseph wrestling with a decision of whether or not he should proceed to marry Mary.

        On Christmas Eve we turn to the traditional Christmas story found in Luke’s gospel.  Mary and Joseph journey to the little town of Bethlehem where Jesus is born.  Our Savior’s birth is for all people.

        On Dec. 29, our lesson once again comes from Matthew’s gospel, where Joseph again receives a message from an angel in his dream.  He is warned that Jesus’ life is in danger.  The holy family flees for safety in Egypt.

        Take the time to reach each of these scriptures in preparation for worship as well as in order to receive the Christ child anew in your life.