Day 18

Day 18
Wednesday, December 15

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom to the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion —
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a painting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”

Isaiah 61:1-3

Reflection
Today we read the words of an Old Testament prophet, offering hope to the Jewish people who had just been released from exile and were returning to Jerusalem. Does it sound familiar? Jesus brought this same “good news” to the people of Judea 700 years later in the New Testament.. It’s a message that bears repeating.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to share this good news with people here and now. Does it feel overwhelming? Start by sharing what Jesus had done in your life with others and offer them an invitation to join you at church. Christmas is a great time to ask, because people are more receptive to the idea of church around the Christmas holidays.

Prayer
God, we are thankful that the “good news” found us, and were have been forever blessed. Help us to share that same good news with those around us - - those who are lonely, those who are hurting, and those who are desperately looking to get MORE out of life. Give us the courage to speak up and share an invitation into the abundant life you want for each and ever one of us. Amen.

Reflection by Amy Sanders