Second Tuesday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 12, 2023
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Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 9:6-7: A prophecy of the child who will establish a kingdom of peace.

Matthew 1:18-24: The angel’s announcement to Joseph about Jesus’ birth.

Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Matthew 1:18-24

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Today’s Meditation:   Isaiah’s ancient words bring us a vision of profound hope, telling of a child whose coming promises a kingdom, a world, of lasting peace. This vision touches something deep within us, awakening our longing for a world where justice and peace are the norm. In Matthew’s account of the story of Joseph, we see this hope taking shape as an angel reveals to Joseph the extraordinary role he will play in God’s plan. This moment is a beautiful blend of divine mystery and human experience, showing us that God’s promises often unfold in unexpected and even challenging ways. These passages invite us to embrace hope—even in the midst of challenge. They ask us to trust in the gentle unfolding of God’s loving purposes, even when the path seems unclear and even when, sometimes, it is hard and confusing. Let’s allow ourselves to be filled with this hope today, staying open to the wondrous ways God moves in our world and our own lives.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• What does the promise of a kingdom of peace mean to you in your current circumstances?
• How can Joseph’s response to the angel’s announcement inspire you to trust in God’s plan, even when it’s unexpected or challenging?

A Prayer For Today:  Dearest Lord, in this sacred season of Advent, fill our hearts with the hope and peace promised in Isaiah. Help us to trust in Your plans, even when they are beyond our understanding. May the anticipation of Jesus’ birth renew our hope and strengthen our faith. Guide us to be bearers of Your peace in a world in need. Amen.