Day 84 – December 19, 2023: Isaiah 6-10 and Psalm 149

There are so many chapters to be read in this section that contain super important verses for this time of year that we call Advent. There are two in particular that I want to lift up which you have already heard and which we have to apply to Advent. Look at 7:10-14 where we see the promise of the coming of Emmanuel. Remember, this promise is given within the context of the people of Judah being so stubborn to not ask God for a sign that will show them how God will overcome their enemies that God decides to give them a sign anyway. Also notice that the term for young woman in Hebrew, which this Scripture gives us, is not the same term as virgin. Matthew gives us the translation virgin which is not from Isaiah.

We also see in Isaiah 9 the Scripture that I read when I light the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. Look at verses 2-7 which reminds us that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. This light coming into the world is, of course, Jesus who is God in made flesh. But there is one more Scripture here that is super important and which we should know because one of our favorite hymns comes from it. Look at 6:8 where God asks the rhetorical question of: “Whom shall I send?” and Isaiah answers: “Here I am Lord.” I’m going to leave you with two songs to sing this morning.