Read Isaiah 11:1-9.
From the stump springs forth a new sprig — a branch that beckons new life rising out of the remnant. The sprig — sturdy as it may be — doesn’t do all the work alone. The scripture reminds us that the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon the shoulders of those who beckon the new sprig into the world.
This scripture goes on to discuss the importance of peace in the future world — in this new thing that God is doing. For Isaiah, peace will look like former rivals laying down beside one another. It will look like holy cooperation among creation and humankind. This peace is not one that merely comes along, but is rather a peace that must be ushered in by God’s people. This is the moment where we grow alongside the new sprig into something that God is still creating.
As we await the birth of Jesus — the sprig or sprout God is bringing about — we are mindful that his teachings have roots in the traditions that guided his upbringing. Out of those roots, Christ reinterprets scripture, teaches new ways of doing things. He loves his neighbors and models what we are called to do as followers of Jesus. As God does a new thing through Christ, we are invited in on the action to speak peace into the places that need it most.
Pray
Gracious and loving God, may the new sprig you’re growing become a strong branch that calls back to your roots, encourages growth, honors change, and brings peace. May we be and do the same. In the name of the coming Christ we pray, amen.
Ross Hartman
Student, UKirk Louisville
Rev. Nell Herring
Campus Minister, UKirk Louisville
Alum, UKirk Furman
Words for Waiting 