Join us this advent season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord while anticipating His return. Take some time to sit with the passage and allow the words to penetrate your heart and mind. Ask God to reveal His truth to you as you prepare your heart for this Christmas season.

Isaiah 11:1-10

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—
yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
He will delight in obeying the LORD.
He will not judge by appearance
nor make a decision based on hearsay.
He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.
He will wear righteousness like a belt
and truth like an undergarment.
In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;
the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,
and a little child will lead them all.
The cow will graze near the bear.
The cub and the calf will lie down together.
The lion will eat hay like a cow.
The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.
Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.
Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
for as the waters fill the sea,
so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD.
In that day the heir to David’s throne
will be a banner of salvation to all the world.
The nations will rally to him,
and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

• What did you hear as you listened to the Word? Land on one phrase or word for your reflection.
• What inner sense or feeling do you notice as you reflect?
• This is the Kingdom that is established in Christ. Where are you noticing this kind of world?
• How can you be a part of expanding the reign of Christ into our world?
• Do you notice any longing within you? Any desire that you can name?
• Become aware of your body. Shift your gaze to an inner gaze within your soul, beneath your mind. Breathe in the breath of God. Rest there with the Prince of Peace.