Pondering the Word
Advent promptings
by Jennifer Davis Sensenig
Can we read ancient prophesies and declare that they are God’s word to us on a 21st-century Sunday? Advent prompts us to do just this.
The weekly Advent themes urge us to get ready to be both witnesses and energetic participants in fulfilling God’s vision. This is not a passive season—on the contrary, we are commissioned each week to be transformed into the image of Christ.
Isaiah 2:1-5
In Isaiah’s vision of international transformation folks stream toward the “open house” at Yahweh’s mountaintop abode. Are we surprised that Israel’s God and the life of God’s people attract not only those born into the community, but also neighboring peoples and nations? In this text Gentile pilgrims climb Zion as God’s instruction (Torah) goes out from this hill. As diverse peoples gather on a mountaintop, conflicts emerge.
The rule of the Messiah will bring justice, righteousness, and reconciliation.
The good news is that God actively transforms these conflicts: clarifying judgments, arbitrating between opposing parties, and inspiring people to dismantle their weapons. The prophet sees this word “in days to come,” which is a phrase that refers to the culmination of God’s time. Is God’s future breaking into our 21st-century present? Do we see any examples of interethnic unity or conflict transformation? Featuring “many nations” in our worship life (by sharing personal stories, discussing global concerns, and singing world music) faithfully bears witness to this vision of nations at peace, united by God’s teaching. Advent sets the hope of God’s intentions for a world at peace in the foreground of Christian worship.
Isaiah 11:1-10
Although Advent occurs during winter in North America, this text introduces a tender shoot sprouting from a seemingly dead tree stump. This vulnerable branch is a small but certain signal that in contrast to the destruction of Assyria characterized by the hacking down of tall trees (Isaiah 10:33-34), God will nurture new growth from the “stock of Jesse”—the inheritors of David’s line of leadership. The expected Messiah King will possess wisdom, might, righteousness, and faithfulness, and will use these on behalf of the “meek of the earth.” This governing style is attributed to the presence of the “spirit of the Lord,” who rests with the new leader.
The images of predatory natural relationships being overturned (wolf and lamb, lion and kid), and wild and domestic animals sharing the land (cow and bear, lion and ox) suggest the strange new relationships that will result from Messianic rule. The most striking of these new relationships is that of the child and the snake. In the beginning, humanity’s estrangement from God was evidenced by antagonism between a snake and people.
The rule of the Messiah will bring about justice and righteousness for the poor as well as reconciliation between human beings and God. These are signs of Advent, a new beginning.
Isaiah 35:1-10
In contrast to the chapter that precedes it, Isaiah 35 overflows with joy at the prospect of God’s salvation. For people in exile, in a wilderness season as a nation, the reason to rejoice is clear: God’s “Holy Way” runs right through the desert, leading people out of captivity. Isaiah’s prophesy of a return to Zion also resonates with the healing ministry of Jesus. The blind will have sight restored; the deaf will hear; the lame will walk; the silent will sing. This scripture is not an instruction to put on a happy face in the midst of oppression. Rather, it is real hope for God’s suffering people. Here Isaiah emphasizes not God’s action against a corrupt and abusive power, but God’s action for those who have suffered.
These are signs of Advent, a new beginning.
Jesus’ Advent is meant to heal our infirmities, to show us the way of life (“no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray”), and to express God’s glory. In Advent, Christians express salvation’s joy as we see, hear, walk, and sing the way of Jesus
Isaiah 7:10-16
This prophesy emerges in a moment of high anxiety for King Ahaz of Judah. The armies of Israel and Syria are launching a joint attack against Judah because this nation refuses to join them in opposing the powerful Assyrian Empire. Intervening amid this climate of fear, God speaks directly to Ahaz. Though the king himself does not ask for a sign, a sign is given. As a court prophet, Isaiah announces that a woman will give birth to a son named Immanuel. Although this prophesy stands behind the two Gospel stories of Jesus’ birth, Isaiah does not indicate that the birth is a miracle, but rather that it is God’s sign that King Ahaz should resist the call to arms and rest in the knowledge of “God with us.” Before this child is a preschooler, Israel and Syria will themselves be conquered. Pointing toward an 8th-century BCE prophesy delivered during a time of national anxiety, God shifts our gaze during Advent from fear-laden power politics to the Son we recognize as Immanuel.
Jennifer Davis Sensenig is associate pastor at Pasadena (Calif.) Mennonite Church.