Advent in Exile - Christmas Longing With IsaiahSample

Hearing the good news about the coming of God’s kingdom is always an encouragement to believers who live in a corrupt and sinful world that has little respect for God. The eschatological promises give assurance to all believers and provide a motivation for the people of God to proclaim the good news to the nations today. The people in the nations of the world will either see the light of God’s glory through the lives of His holy people, or they will perish without hope because they are blinded by the darkness of their own sins.

Does this prayer have any significance for modern believers? Does this lament create an example that people should pray? If it does, why do we seldom hear people praying like this? Isn’t there a valid reason for offering prayers of intercession that bring the needs of the community to God? This community lament offers a balance between praise, confession, and petition. The central request is a deep longing to see God’s mighty hand and compassionate love at work on their behalf in the future. May we pray this advent season for a renewed sense of God’s presence and new demonstration of His zeal and power.

"In Light of this Advent Season, what is your heart longing for?"

-Brian Mott