Vs. 10 “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand
as a banner for the peoples;
the nations will rally to Him and His place of rest will be glorious.”

Isaiah had a vision of what he hoped the coming of the Christ would bring.  He envisioned a golden age:  a world characterized by righteousness, justice and faithful;  a world that would be in perfect harmony;  a world where peace prevailed and children played with formerly dangerous animals.

Is this too much to hope for?  Is this anything like your visions, your hopes for Christmas?

I have a feeling we can all relate with the prop person in our drama this morning.  It wasn’t until the play was over, when she was trying to bring some order to the pile of props that it dawned on her, she hadn’t given Jesus a moments notice.

How often has this happened to you?  You become so focused on all the preparations for Christmas that they take on a greater meaning and a greater purpose than Christmas.  How many times have you felt a sense of relief that Christmas is over?

It has been said, “It is better to have no hopes and dreams for Christmas, this way you won’t be disappointed.”  Personally I reject that type of thinking and I would hope that you would too.

Isaiah’s vision was not some futuristic utopia. Isaiah’s vision was for here and now.  Perhaps Isaiah’s vision is too abstract.  If we saw them as metaphors for present realities they may take on greater meaning.

The vision of the wolf could represent the overly crafty businessperson who will stop at nothing becoming honest and gentle in his or her dealings.  The wolf could represent the fierceness of war makers and polluters subsiding to see the interests of others rather than just their own.

The picture of children being able to play near the hole of the cobra could represent children playing without the poisonous influence of those vipers who seek to sell them cigarettes, or drugs or images of bodily perfection.

We long for fair treatment from others, but do we give it?  We hate those who base their judgments on appearance, false evidence or hearsay, but how often are we are quick to judge others using those very standards?  We long for God and even wonder where is He at times and yet we throw God out of our schools, our homes, our work place, our court rooms and our daily living.

We don’t have to wait for the second coming of Jesus for Isaiah’s vision to become a reality. We don’t have to wait for the second coming of Jesus for men and women to cease victimizing and preying on others. We don’t have to wait for the second coming of Jesus for the return of righteousness, justice and faithfulness.

The golden age of Isaiah doesn’t have to wait for the return of Christ.  It can begin this Christmas.  It can begin this Christmas if you allow Jesus to be born in your heart, if you allow Jesus to govern your heart and your living.  Then we will turn from our sins, then we will turn to others, then we will help others in need, then we will be just, then we will treat others fairly.

The most important preparation you can make this Advent is to prepare you heart, your mind, and your soul to cradle Jesus.  Making your life a cradle for Jesus will bring peace and harmony, it will bring righteousness, justice and faithfulness to you, your family, your church, your community, your world.