TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Isaiah 11:1–10
REFLECT
The prophet Isaiah writes, “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, / and from his roots a bud shall blossom” (Is 11:1). You don’t have to be much of a gardener to know that flowers don’t spontaneously appear. They are attached to the rest of the plant, springing forth from branches and vines. As Christians, when we hear this prophecy, it has a particularly rich meaning for us. It reminds us that our Savior, when he appears, will be like us. Jesus Christ did not merely appear to be human; he was truly man. Like a flower blossoming on the vine, a new sprout coming forth from an old trunk, Christ flowered from our race. The Lord Jesus, the Savior of humanity, was of our flesh and blood, springing forth from the stump of Jesse.
PRAY
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are true God and true man, like me in all things but sin. May I never hide anything from you. Give me the courage to bring everything in my life to your healing grace. Amen.
LIVE
Decorate your home with garland or evergreen wreaths for Advent. When you see the simple decorations, think of Christ, the flower who springs from the stump of Jesse.