Today I opened my Advent reading and read a fitting passage from Isaiah 60:1-5.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;
It feels very dark in the world today. Two shootings in a week, and several senseless shootings in the past few years of innocent people.
…but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
The imagery of the sons and daughters coming home breaks my heart.
But there is hope for the future, a joyous homecoming.
“Imagine a homecoming so joyous, so radiant—so full of love.
Verse 5 tells us: “And your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy.” [NLT]
Even if this season of homecoming brings feelings that are heavy, there is a homecoming to cling to. A promise from our heavenly father we can hold fast to this season.
Is the holiday season–or the thought of homecoming–something that makes you cringe? Perhaps it brings about deep hurts caused by our broken humanity.
Sister, I believe sometimes we need to get a bit more specific in our prayers–He wants us to talk with Him as we’d talk with our closest friend.
Pray that He would be your focus this season. Pray that you would maintain an eternal perspective when the pain wells up. Remember His promise in John 14? Verse 3 tells us: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [NIV]
Now that is a promise.”- Advent, She Reads Truth
