“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.”
Isaiah 5:20-21 NLT
Dear Jesus,
I know You know how my heart frets at the darkness. And You whisper, “Look at Me.”
Why, Dear Jesus, do my eyes wander from Your Light and Your beauty? Why do I let go of Your Hand? Why do I even attempt to stray into the shadows where truth and goodness are blurred?
“It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.”
Isaiah 6:1 NLT
Dear Jesus, I know You are the way, the light for the path through this life, and You are my good Shepherd. I’m learning that You already know my heart, and how it will be wrecked by hearing nonchalant lies easily mixed with gospel truth. You already know how my confidence is crumbled by feeling “in the middle” of strife and contention. Because You know that when You re-created my heart, for Your Throne room, You designed it with a strong bent toward truth, justice and righteousness all clothed in a covering of peace.
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT
Dear Jesus, in this world I get a choice. I can try to walk my own way, seek to make sense of the darkness out of my limited understanding, or even attempt to fight the spiritual battles by my weak flesh.
However, I am remembering again that I also get to choose to walk with You, in Your Light, and be covered by Your peace. You are with me. Immanuel.
Dear Jesus, help me to learn in a deeper way this week that the growing darkness is not my concern. Rather remaining connected with Your Spirit and dwelling in Your presence, these are my goals. This my delight.
You are the Light Who breathes life and creates Hope.
Amen.
This Advent week of Hope I am pondering the hymn, O Come, O Come Immanuel. The last verse is one I’m not familiar with, but it stands out to me as a beautiful prayer for the Church and the world in which we’re living.
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
I’m curious. Did you know there were seven stanzas in this hymn?
The history of this hymn fascinates me too. I’m enjoying this particular Christmas carol all the more after learning that each verse begins with a name or title of God, which fulfills an Old Testament prophecy. Read more of the history here.
Live Love Brightly,
Lisa
Find my Advent page by clicking here.
