An Advent Devotion for December 12

Read Isaiah 9:2-7

“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2″

On August 5, 2010 thirty-three Chilean miners were trapped twenty-three hundred feet underground after a cave-in at the San Jose copper and gold mine. Seventeen days later the world discovered they were still alive and in a shelter. Long weeks would follow that discovery as a plan was set in place to rescue them. During those dark hours, a moment of joy pierced the gloom.

September 18, 2010 a miner learned of the birth of his daughter. Ariel Ticona and his wife Elizabeth had planned to call their daughter Carolina. Buried deep in the earth in Chile, having just been miraculously found, Hope seemed a more appropriate name. The birth of his child “Hope” became a sign of hope for all thirty three miners during those long weeks. Hope that somehow the miracles would continue – hope that would pierce the darkness of that underground tomb. “Hope,” he would say, “for getting them out , hope to keep fighting for his daughter, hope to unite his family.” Hope that one day – he would hold his child. Hope that each of them would return to their families. The world watched and waited with them until on October 13th that day arrived

When there is nothing else and we wonder who we can trust or where to turn, Isaiah reminds us of God’s light, calling us to hope. This ancient word continues to speak, wherever there is heartache or sorrow. “Those who dwelt in a land of darkness, on them has light shined . . . For to us a child is born – a son is given – and he shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end.”

Prayer: Loving God, in the words of Isaiah you call us to hope. To hope even when we find ourselves in painful and difficult circumstances. Remind us, in those moments, that you have come in Jesus to be present in our darkest and most painful moments, shining the light of Christ to guide us and lead us into the ways of healing and peace. Amen.

Additional Advent & Christmastide Devotions can be found at:   Advent & Christmastide Devotions