GOD’S WORD—Isaiah 2:4-5
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
MEDITATION
At the time of this writing, reports are coming in about an artillery skirmish between North and South Korea. It’s just the latest salvo in the mind-numbing round of stories that bring the lethal conflicts of this world into graphic relief. Years ago, at the memorial service for a decorated United States General and Chaplain, the late Oswald Hoffmann declared: “If we didn’t have a military, we’d have to create one due to the hostilities that sin breeds in this world of ours.” I heard the tape from that memorial, and there was a sense of frustration in his voice.
We all share this frustration. Yet, at Advent, our God steps in with that good word from the prophet Isaiah. A day is coming when heaven will call a halt to the warring madness. The implements of armed conflict will be beaten to smithereens, and war will not be a topic of study. We don’t’ have to hear the mind-numbing stories as casual observers and prognosticators. Rather, we can take our cue from Isaiah and walk in the light of the Lord in the firm belief that Christ is the Prince of peace and the day of ultimate peace is on its way.
PRAYER
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come; that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by your mighty deliverance; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
VERSE
Savior of the nations, come; virgin’s Son, make here Your home!
Marvel now, O heav’n and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth!
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