HOPE in Christ

This week's readings for Mass are from Isaiah and offer the most HOPE anyone could ask for.  "A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom.  The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him; a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding; a Spirit of counsel and of strength; a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.  It goes on to say that the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together with a little child to guide them....The baby shall play by the cobra's den and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.  There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as water covers the sea. 

Another reading promises a feast of rich food and choice wines and that he will destroy death forever.  The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces. 

Today's readings say "A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace for its trust in you."  The bible promises that He humbles those in high places and the lofty city he brings down.

Every day our headlines range from sad to disappointing to downright frightening.  Our world is in such chaos. Yet, we are given the gift of HOPE through it all.  When Christ came to our world on Christmas, he fulfilled the prophesies of Isaiah.  He is Jesse's bud that blossoms.  He is the one who came to save us. As God's children, throughout history, we have turned away from God's love and suffered as a result. Christmas allows us the HOPE that He hasn't given up on us. Our HOPE in Jesus allows us to envision a world we all want to live in. Where peace prevails and evil is non-existent. None of us knows what that world will look like. It's beyond our comprehension because all we've known is evil and hate. I'm spending my day today hoping that Christmas will renew us and bring us closer to a peaceful and joyful era in our lives.  I'm praying for peace during our personal struggles and the world's struggles today. O Come! O Come Emmanuel.

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