First Saturday Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 9, 2023
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Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 11:1-4a: The peaceful reign of the Messiah, where justice and harmony prevail.
Ephesians 2:14-18: Christ as our peace, uniting divided groups into one.

Isaiah 11:1-4a

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall 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. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.

Ephesians 2:14-18

For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Today’s Meditation:   In Isaiah, we are shown a future vision of the world transformed by the Messiah’s reign—a world where justice and peace are not just ideas to strive for, but actual lived realities. Isaiah’s vision of the potential for harmony offers a glimpse of divine potential for our world. It places the hope of peace at the center of our experience of a world that is too often fragmented and disordered. Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that this peace is not just a distant hope but a present possibility through Christ. He speaks how Christ brings reconciliation and unity, breaking down the walls that divide us. These scriptures challenge us to envision and work towards a world where differences are not barriers but bridges, where peace and justice are the rhythms of our daily lives. Today, let us embrace this vision, committing ourselves to be agents of peace and unity in our communities.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• How can you actively promote peace and justice in your own environment?
• What steps can you take to bridge divides and foster understanding among diverse groups in your community?

A Prayer For Today:  Lord of Peace, guide us on this Advent journey to be peacemakers and unifiers in our world. Inspire us to live out the vision of Isaiah and Paul, where justice, peace, and unity reign. Help us to break down walls of division and build communities where your love and peace are tangible. Amen.