December 5, 2023
by Steve Scholer
Creighton University's University Relations
click here for photo and information about the writer

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

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The prophecy in Isaiah is so fitting for the Advent season. The imagery the lines evoke are of a fair and just world with love for each other. What a wonderful world it would be if only the wolf was the guest of the lamb, the leopard and kid sat next to each other, the lion was eating hay like the ox and the baby could safely play in the cobra’s den.
But that is not the world in which we live. We, unfortunately, live in a world where generational, deep-seated hatred and random violence heaped upon each other defy comprehension.

During this wonderful time of the year, how do we focus on the positive images of hope expressed in Isaiah and not let our minds be sidetracked by the negative images and stories with which we are continually confronted?

One answer may lie in patiently working to strengthen our faith and our prayer life. Keep in mind that Isaiah’s prophecy, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit,” is sometimes called the Christmas Promise, was made more than 600 years before the birth of Christ. In those six-plus centuries, it is easy to understand how the faith of many ebbed, they lost patience, and felt that God had forsaken them and that his promises would not come true.

But now, with the promise of Isaiah fulfilled, we have a Savior who will forgive our endless sins and offer anew the hope of eternal life. If we listen to him with our heart, soul and mind, it will remind us that the greatest gift we can give this Christmas is the gift of love.

As we journey through this Advent season, let us not only enjoy the miracle of Christ’s birth, but patiently listen to what God is telling us. Whether from the pulpit, our daily reflections, prayer, or our myriad experiences as we interact with others, let us strive to discern how is God revealing his love for us and how are we responding to it.

Are we living as Christ would want us to, unselfish in how we treat those less fortunate, merciful in our judgments about the actions of others, forgiving the wrongs we suffer? If the foundation of our faith is built on God’s love for us, then these things should come easily. If they don’t, then we need to remember this Advent season that “There are three things that will endure; faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13