Isaiah 35:3-7, Luke 7:18-30 (NRSV)
Devotion
The helpless exiles to whom Isaiah prophesied are looking to the future for new courage and hope. Isaiah tells them God will come in glory, and the blind, lame and dumb will be healed. In Luke, John the Baptist—from prison—sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the “one who is to come” (Luke 7:19). Jesus answers, “…The blind receive their sight, the lame walk…the deaf hear” (Luke 7:22). The answer does not free John from prison; he is soon beheaded. Nonetheless, knowing Isaiah’s prophecy had come to pass must have given John new hope. During Advent we prepare for a paradox: celebrating the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy without being able to celebrate a world free from all brokenness.
Prayer
God of Glory, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus—the beginning of your coming in glory. Give us new courage and hope as we join with you in bringing further healing to a broken world. Amen.