Down to Earth: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

DAY 24: Hope Now And Hope To Come

Reflection

Isaiah’s descriptions of the Hope to Come are almost always fulfilled in multiple ways and stages over time.

Ultimately, Isaiah’s words are fulfilled in Jesus. When we prayerfully consider the beautiful description of One who’s filled with the Attributes of the Spirit, including Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, and more, we recognize that these qualities are only fully seen in the One whose Birth we celebrate tomorrow.

Our down-to-earth Savior came to demonstrate all those qualities, and we still depend on Him for them today. But the stages of fulfillment don’t end with the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem or even with His Life, Death, and Resurrection. We know that the picture of Peace and Harmony described in the remaining verses is painfully far from the reality in our broken world today.

This is why Advent isn’t just an opportunity to remember Jesus’ Birth 2,000 years ago. It’s also a chance to anticipate His Return in Glory. "Advent" simply means arrival. While we celebrate the first Arrival tomorrow, we prayerfully look for the greater fulfillment in the Second Arrival to come.

In the meantime, you and I are called to be another layer in the fulfillment of God’s Plan. Just as these verses describe the Heart of Jesus, His Righteousness and Justice offer us a blueprint for our discipleship whatever challenges and opportunities we face each day.

Prayer

Lord, as I read and celebrate the Attributes of Jesus, please show me how I can seek to embody them and represent Jesus well every day – now and in the year ahead. Amen.