call:
The Lord be with you.
response:
And also with you.
call:
Today’s symbol is Isaiah’s scroll. Isaiah was a prophet who heard God’s promises and wrote them down. God promised that his people will walk in light and joy, because he is going to send them a child. This child will grow, and will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His kingdom will last forever, and make everything that is broken in our world right again.
response:
Thanks be to God!
Scripture reading : Isaiah 9:1-7
Many years before Jesus was born, God sent prophets to the people of Israel. The prophets reminded the people that they belonged to God and told the people how they should live. God wanted Israel to do justice and love mercy. They were called to care for one another, and for those who had no one to care for them.
The prophets also knew that God’s people lived in a world that was broken, scary, and full of sin. Our world is still like that today, and the prophets’ words are for us, too. The prophets remind us that God has not forgotten his people. A Savior is coming, who will make all things new and right again. The prophets remind us that we are hungry and thirsty for God’s help. When God’s Savior arrives, we will walk in great light and be lled with joy, because God has not left us alone. God is coming to rescue and to rule over his world again.
pray:
Thank you, saving God, for the words of the prophets. Help us taste the longing in them. Give us hope and faith as we wait for the Savior. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.