On our third day of Advent, we celebrate a new birth, a new dawn, hope, and God’s promise. Isaiah paints a picture for Israel of the new life that will come from them when they, like that tree stump, grow toward God’s vision. God reverses and gives great promise to each of us, even when we may think that stump of ours is dead. We are part of the process of bringing God’s justice to birth. We are to be the ones who sit with the lion or lamb, kid or leopard because the Holy Spirit rests upon us, giving wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and grace. God’s holy mountain has room for everyone. Isaiah urges us that mountain climbing may be challenging, but it is how we draw close to God and bring about God’s justice. Each Advent, we get another push in our spirited journey toward that mountain top.

We see that mountain top in our world if we see the Holy Spirit at work. Christ told his disciples to buy a pair of God’s glasses to see God’s world remarkably in front of them.

In each Eucharist, we promise to return to the world and climb the mountain of the Lord. We are called to nurture the sprout and have God’s justice flourish and thrive. The bloom must not be squandered but there to support and rescue those most in need.

Each Advent, just as at each Eucharist, we pray for “thy kingdom come.” In the embolism of the Mass (that special prayer between the Lord’s Prayer and our acclamation), we hear the words of the celebrant say, “to be delivered from evil … as we wait in joyful hope for the [final] coming of Jesus Christ.” We have to get busy to build this peaceable kingdom. New life is springing in us again; let’s not waste this sprout.

Prayer

United with the Spirit, O God, we call upon your grace and hope to renew the face of the earth with your justice and care. Support our efforts of renewal in our lives so that moved by changed hearts, our lives may build a community of love, unity, and peace that flourishes until your Son’s coming again in glory through Christ our Lord.