For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Isaiah 60:2
We begin this season with the call from the Prophet Isaiah that darkness shall cover the earth. The prophet here is speaking of a spiritual darkness a time of turning away and a time when people will be bereft of all hope. But as people of faith we know that this is not the end of the story and that the darkness with turn to light and that light will bring much joy.
The First Sunday of Advent focuses on the Old Testament Patriarchs and Prophets who were the ancestors of Jesus and who would announce his birth and ministry here on earth. Their prophetic message was a message of hope and a message of light in a world that had gone dark to all things spiritual.
We need more prophets in the world today. We need more prophets that will shout the good news that God loves all of creation and we all have a place in the world. The prophets were persecuted for what they said but the message continued on. Being a prophet requires courage and that courage comes from God.
I am praying for prophets as we begin this Advent/Christmas Season.
Let us pray:
O God, we thank you that Jesus brought hope into our world. By the good news of the Bible you are still bringing hope to the people. Help us to be ready to welcome Jesus Christ so that we may think good thoughts and do good deeds and so that we may be a people of hope in our world. Amen. (UCC Book of Worship)
