First Sunday of Advent

In the prophecy from Isaiah, we see the scene set for a city to arise. Amongst the mountains, there lives a hidden city in peace and wonder. In the caverns below, there lives chaos and unrest. In an instant, there arises a light from the city that is raised above all others. The chaos people below know that it is their journey to climb this mountain to the place where the Lord will teach them how to live. In the journey, many trials are faces through tiredness, discomfort, temptation to mediocrity, and procrastination.

In the poverty and weakness of our human nature, we recognize our need and dependence of God. We simply cannot climb by ourselves, nor does God sit at the top expecting us to make it on our own. He comes down to us and walks with us up the mountain.