Isaiah 45:5-8
Today's Advent Reading

As we go about our daily lives in December in Minnesota, it is hard not to be reminded of the holiday season. Neighbors have lights and lawn ornaments up, happy holiday signs are everywhere, radio stations play Christmas songs, some secular, some sacred, and of course the malls are covered in evergreen boughs and bright lights and bows, displaying beautiful gifts to be purchased for December 25.

This passage in Isaiah reminds us of who it is we celebrate at Christmas. The baby in a manger wasn't just a cute little bundle that we can smile at in a nativity scene in early winter. He is the Lord, the only true God. It is from him that we get our strength, though we may not even know it. He is with us, from the rising of the sun to its setting. He brings darkness and light--he can bring prosperity or disaster. What he really wants to do is rain down righteousness and shower salvation on his people.

Let us turn from the trimmings and eye/ear appeal of Christmas and look and hear with our hearts. The God of the universe calls to us at this season, as he does all year round. Let us not lose sight of him as we enjoy the festivities and busy-ness of the season.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:26 AM