“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
    to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways,
    and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
    and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2)

Isaiah spoke about all nations seeking instruction and disarming as Assyrian armies were rumbling toward Jerusalem to destroy it. People listening to him must have said “What’s he talking about? Can’t he see what’s at our door now?”

But Isaiah insists God will instruct the world in his ways. Yes, even now, God is instructing us. His message is not to hide because the Assyrian armies are coming; save yourselves!  Rather God says get ready for the days that are coming when “ they will beat their swords into plowshares, their spears into pruning hooks and there will be no wars any more.” God’s peaceable kingdom is coming.

Isaiah’s promises appear in wonderful imagery throughout Advent. There will be a cloud by day and a fire by night over God’s holy mountain. The mountain is a place of delight, not fear. Children play around a cobra’s den, the lamb and the lion lie down together, the poor become rich, a great banquet feeds them all. The fears of life give way to delight.

Wonderful imagery for a world today paralyzed by fear and confusion. Wonderful imagery for us who, like the shepherds at Bethlehem, wait fearfully in the dark. 

The Assyrian army surely had the equivalent of the Roman centurion in today’s gospel, who were the backbone of their armies. Powerful men, loyal soldiers, they could tell their troops ” Kill them all” or “Lay down your swords,” and their soldiers would do it.

The Roman centurion in today’s gospel represents power, yet power humbled before Jesus:  “Lord, I am not worthy that you should  come under my roof, but say the word and my servant will be healed.” He comes with a faith not found in Israel.

The Messiah has power over the proud and the strong, our gospel reminds us. No one, even a tough centurion, is beyond the reach of his mercy.

Advent is a time of hope, a daring hope that’s not just about surviving. It’s about much more. Jesus Christ instructs us and shows us the path to take. He’s knocking at the door, an Advent prayer reminds us. He invites us to work for the coming of God’s kingdom. He comes to lead us there.

Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,

as we await the advent of Christ your Son,

so that, when he comes and knocks,

he may find us watchful in prayer

and exultant in his praise.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Follow the advent readings here.