Invitation and Preparation
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us
(Silence)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory for ever. Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things. Grant us, your people, to walk in his light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgement; for you are our light and our salvation. Amen.
Listen and Receive
Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Isaiah 42:1-4
May the Word of God rest gently on our hearts, that when our hearts break the Word of God may flow in.
(Silence)
Reflect and Respond
In this first of four servant songs, Isaiah gives us a different picture of the coming Messiah. The glory and power remain. The mission of justice, faithfulness, and righteousness are unchanged. A new element of gentle humility is introduced to the Messianic character.
Humility and gentleness seem to be lost virtues in our society. Quiet presence and deep listening are crowded out by the noise and commotion of our culture of instant gratification, incessant competition, and sound bite laden discourse.
I wonder, in what ways might God be inviting you to humility and gentleness? To whom might God be inviting you to be fully present and listen?
Blessed and Sent
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
In this season of light, may your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.