November 30, 2003

Advent Hope

I once had an ornamental willow tree that became infested with a virus. I was advised to “cut off all the diseased branches” and with a bit of luck, the rest of the tree would survive. Alas, every branch was infected so I cut all the branches off and I gave up on the tree. But much to my surprise, the trunk put out new shoots and within a few months I had a new, disease-free tree. Its shape was different from the original -- but actually it’s nicer now.

I tell you my tale of the tree because as Advent begins we hear the prophet Isaiah say, “In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.”

Now I understand this passage better. You see, the people of Israel had experienced yet another assault (enemy troops would often cut down all trees in occupied territory to use for fuel or just to punish the conquered people). But Isaiah had hope that despite the destruction, God would raise up someone in the family of King David to lead God’s people to victory over destruction and death. He would make justice happen.

As Christians we believe that the “just shoot” from the family of David is Jesus. During this time of Advent we reflect on the truth that God will raise up Jesus in our midst yet again. And we need him. For we can feel like we’ve been cut down -- our men and women in Iraq are dying each day. Social problems still abound at home -- homelessness, abuse, addictions, abortion, poverty, racism... the list goes on and on. In smaller ways we start to stress out as Christmas approaches -- there are so many things we feel we have to do -- the shopping, decorating, cooking, card writing, caring for our kids...this list goes on too.

We need Jesus right now. A deeper relationship with Jesus will help to put things in perspective. We can discover a balance in our lives that may have eluded us.

Let us live as a people of hope, awaiting Jesus. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

You are Person to visit this page