Advent Week Four: “Exchanging Distrust (Terror) for Love”

Weekly Supply List:

  • Journal or sketch pad
  • Pen, pencil, or markers
  • Your imagination
  • 5-10 minutes a day
  • Advent wreath, optional

Weekly Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (Good News Translation)

10 The Lord sent another message to Ahaz: 11 “Ask the Lord your God to give you a sign. It can be from deep in the world of the dead or from high up in heaven.” 12 Ahaz answered, “I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the Lord to the test.” 13 To that Isaiah replied, “Listen, now, descendants of King David. It’s bad enough for you to wear out the patience of people – do you have to wear out God’s patience too? 14 Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him “Immanuel.’ 15 By the time he is old enough to make his own decisions, people will be drinking milk and eating honey. 16 Even before that time comes, the lands of those two kings who terrify you will be deserted.

Invitation: Read Isaiah 7:10-16.

Reflection: God wants to give Ahaz a sign. A sign is something you can see that helps you remember that a promise has been made. A wedding ring is a beautiful example of a sign. What other examples can you think of?

Contemplation: A sign gives assurance and helps us to believe even when a promise takes a long time to come. Ahaz was facing a very tense situation – two other countries were threatening to attack his country. How do you imagine he was feeling? Why do you think God wanted to give Ahaz a sign?

Discussion: Ahaz responded as if God’s offer of a sign was some sort of trick. What didn’t he understand about God? What might have kept Ahaz from responding well to God’s invitation?

Prayer Exchange: God, help us to receive your offer of comfort and consolation. Thank you that you see the things that frighten us. Teach us to find our safety and security in you alone. Amen.

 


 Contributed by Michelle Baur, Spiritual Director