Advent Devotional

Isaiah 35:5-7

"Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.  Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy.  For waters will break forth in the wilderness and streams in the Arabah.  The scorched land will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes."

This prophecy from Isaiah sees a future with a restored creation.  The opening of blind eyes and deaf ears is precisely what Jesus did.  The healing of the lame and the mute were miracles Jesus showed he had the power to do.  The imagery of life-giving waters to dry and scorched lands is imagery reflecting Jesus’ ministry to broken and hurting people.  He made a resting place for them and he makes one for us today.

On this Christmas Eve, imagine a world without Jesus.  Imagine a world where the miraculous healings Isaiah prophesied and Jesus fulfilled didn’t happen.  Imagine a world without the life-giving waters that Jesus offers.  A world without Jesus is a dry and desolate world that he alone can satisfy.  On this Christmas Eve, look to Christ and remember his birth which brought life to this world.

For Reflection & Discussion: What would your life be like without Jesus?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, today we thank You bringing life-giving water to a dry and thirsty world.  Thank You for bringing sight to the blind, sound to the deaf, strength to the lame, and a voice to the mute.  Thank You for being our resting place.  Thank You for Your birth tomorrow.  Help us to walk faithfully with You every day. 
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