Speaking Of Life 2001 | Three Beginnings
Anthony Mullins
My wife and I had the opportunity to stay at Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Canada. It’s difficult to capture the beauty of that place in words. The lake has glacier-fed water which gives it a brilliant turquoise color. The alpine lake is surrounded by towering mountains and a stately chateau and it’s one of the most picturesque settings in all of Canada. The first morning we were there, the sun crested over one of the mountains lighting up the scene below. The mountain-layered snow and the alpine lake glistened and all of it filled our hearts with the hope of a new and glorious day.
A new day brings a new beginning and the hopefulness of wonder and adventure to follow. Today brings the beginning of a new season in the Christian calendar – the season of Advent.
Advent, which lasts until Christmas morning, literally means “coming.” And, as we enter this season we can reflect on a new day that is coming. The Old Testament text of Isaiah shares this coming of Jesus who brings hope, peace, joy, and love.
[Look down]
In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his path.”… They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Isaiah 2:2-3, 4b-5)
[LOOK UP]
In this ancient text, the writer is telling the people that the Lord’s temple is coming and will be above everything else. That temple; is Jesus. And though many churches have themes each week during this time of year of hope, peace, joy, and love. We must remember that those things are not just verbs, or themes. But they have a name; and his name is Jesus.
The focus of Advent is Jesus. He is the one who came, is coming, and has come to live in us. He is our hope; our prince of peace; our source of joy; and the God who is love.
So, as a new day is dawning, may you find hope. Peace. Joy. And love. Because he is already here, meeting you right where you are.
I’m Anthony Mullins, Speaking of Life
