As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the above bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Isaiah 2:1-5 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!”

We are still sitting with that one candle flickering in the darkness. Yesterday, we thought about how important it is to remember that Christ is with us and has promised to bring us security and safety. Today, let’s consider that He also invites us to climb the Lord’s mountain to the house of God. For us, that is our church, where Jesus is found in the tabernacle and on the altar at each Mass. In a world so divided and riddled with war, the prophecy today reminds us that there will come a time when all nations will lay down their weapons, peace will reign, and God on his throne, will judge fairly. 

Remember, the nation of Israel was a people who had been holding onto hope in the midst of years and years of trials. Driven from their homes, forced into slavery, unable to worship their God, persecuted for their beliefs, and even for some, a loss of their identity to the point where they looked no different than those around them who were unbelievers. But God was always there, looking at them, calling them to come home, letting them know He had not abandoned them. He sent his prophets over and over to give them messages of hope and a future. Promises that He would fulfill if they were patient and repentant and would turn back to Him. They could look forward to resting in safety and security. 

So, for we who are living today, what brings us hope? Is it no more fighting and war, not only around the world, but even in our own country, workplaces, and families? Do we hope that in some way, all people can live in harmony as one? Maybe we are hoping for peace from our own internal battles, whatever those may look like. It could be addictions, repetitive sins, the negative voices that want to make us forget that we are beloved and that our Father is always looking at us with love. 

Reflection Questions: Consider the world today. If you could sit with Jesus and ask Him to heal any divisions or stop any wars, what would you start with? What about in your own life? Are there any places you’ve been feeling hopeless at the size of the problem? Can you allow the small light flickering from the Lord to reignite the hope you used to have that things could get better. Ask the Lord to come into those places now. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to hope for that future where God’s promises are fulfilled in my own lifetime. May He begin today and may I start to see by the light of that Advent candle burning brightly, that I can trust You and that you have plans for me as it says in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”