Psalm 119:105-112, Isaiah 8:9-9:7, 1 Peter 4:1-19 - Lectionary for 12/2/11

Today's readings are Psalm 119;105-112, Isaiah 8:9-9:7, and 1 Peter 4:1-19. We need only to look around us to see a world in tumult and at war. The "Arab Spring" uprisings which have allegedly brought freedom to various people have also brought persecution upon Christians. It is increasingly dangerous to live as a Christian in this world, where intolerance is growing generation by generation. What hope do we have then? We have great hope. In today's reading from Isaiah we see that the Lord will come, the one who will bring peace, the one who will govern rightly. Christians have long interpreted this passage from Isaiah as a Messianic prophecy. It doesn't seem much like it has been fulfilled as yet. Jesus came and we live in a world full of turmoil. Yet as we spend the Advent season looking forward to Christmas and the promised coming of Christ, we remember that our Lord will come again and complete all that has been said about him. At that time he will make everything right. No matter what kind of political or cultural turmoil we face, let us look to the Lord, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.