Build Up and Remove
A reading for Monday, December 14, 2015: Isaiah 57:14-16.
It's an interesting turn of phrase... "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way." Isaiah is encouraging preparation for the coming of the Messiah, the one who comes to bring comfort to the lost and release to the captives. Jesus comes bearing salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Such preparation requires that we "build up." We add things to our lives, the celebration of the holiday brings with it lots of things to do. Special parties, shopping for gifts, visiting with friends and family... Not to mention special devotion and worship.
However, what Isaiah also says is "remove every obstruction." According to the prophet, there are likely things that need to be removed from our lives during the holidays also. What are the things that are preventing you from welcoming the Christ child? Greed, fear, busyness?
The Christ child is coming again into the world. Get ready!
It's an interesting turn of phrase... "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way." Isaiah is encouraging preparation for the coming of the Messiah, the one who comes to bring comfort to the lost and release to the captives. Jesus comes bearing salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Such preparation requires that we "build up." We add things to our lives, the celebration of the holiday brings with it lots of things to do. Special parties, shopping for gifts, visiting with friends and family... Not to mention special devotion and worship.
However, what Isaiah also says is "remove every obstruction." According to the prophet, there are likely things that need to be removed from our lives during the holidays also. What are the things that are preventing you from welcoming the Christ child? Greed, fear, busyness?
The Christ child is coming again into the world. Get ready!
Comments
Post a Comment