Today we remember the prophets of old as we read from Isaiah, a prophet among many who demanded to be heard, who dared to speak of a child to come – the unexpected liberator of the people, the vulnerable incarnation of our God, the redeemer of the world. Hear now from the book of Isaiah 9:6-7

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

On this first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope, and remember the prophets who, by faith, held onto hope for a day when the long awaited Messiah would appear.

Lord, We give thanks for the prophets among us, who bring to us surprising new visions of hope, who challenge us to think outside the box, who show us a future we never anticipated. This Advent Season with hopeful anticipation, we look forward to the arrival of Christ, “the Word became flesh and lived among us,” the light of the world who overcame darkness. Help us to bear Your light, so that the world may know of Your great love.

Amen.