Tuesday, December 7, 2010 Tenth Day of Advent

Tuesday, December 7^th

Isaiah 35:3-4 – http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=158553971

Hope

Isaiah is writing to the exiled Israelites – they have been kicked out of their homes, separated from their friends and families, and forced to live in a foreign land where it is difficult to continue their devotion to God.  These exiled Israelites thought God had abandoned them, given up on them.  Isaiah speaks words of hope to these people – reminding them that God remains faithful to His promises.  Isaiah invites the Hebrew people to encourage one another as they wait for the Lord to return and restore them.  He encourages them to strengthen one another with hope, to remind one another that God will come and save them from their despair.

In this season of Advent we recognize our own exile.  Separated from family and friends, broken by the tragedy of our world, many people are tempted to think that God has abandoned and given up on them.  As Christians, let us speak words of hope to those who despair.  Let us proclaim the good news that God has indeed come to save the world, and that Jesus will return to set everything right. 

Today, I invite you to share words of hope and encouragement with someone who is struggling to remember that God will never abandon them.

Kid Challenge: Do you know what its like to feel like nobody cares when you are sad?  Sometimes when we are sad, we forget that we have lots of people who love us and care about our feelings.  When we are sad we also forget that Jesus is with us and that he cares a lot about how we feel.  Your challenge today is to be a friend to someone who is feeling sad.  What are some ways to show someone who is sad that you care about them?

Advent Blessings.

Laura

This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,
                          ...give yourself this Christmas! (Peter Mayer)