Advent Devotional 11.29.21

 

 

Monday, November 29, 2021

 

 

New Life

A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from His roots.  The Lord’s spirit will rest upon Him….

Isaiah 11:1-2a

 

One of our Advent banners illustrates verse one; it shows a green shoot (new life) sprouting from a stump. The word “branch” is used in the Old Testament to represent the Messiah.  Isaiah’s prophesy is that the Messiah is to be from the lineage of Jesse.  The birth of Jesus, whose earthly father, Joseph, was a descendant of Jesse, fulfills the prophesy.  It is said that Christmas and Easter should always be connected in the thoughts of Christians.  New life, the birth of Jesus, brings us joy at Christmas and new life, the resurrection of Jesus, the promise of eternal life, brings us joy at Easter.

Isaiah further says that the Messiah will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.  It is interesting that Jesus uses the word “branch” in John 15:5, saying that He is the vine and we are the branches and that apart from Him we can do nothing. Similar to Isaiah’s prophesy, Jesus is telling us that we will (and must) be empowered by His Spirit.

 

Prayer

Thank You God for bringing new life, both at Christmas and Easter.  May Your Holy Spirit dwell in us, during Advent and especially during this time of transition for our church.

Amen

 

Carl McCune