Reasons to Celebrate

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.

On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;

he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.

The LORD has spoken.
[Is 25:6-8]

What would the first week of Advent be - with focus on the prophecy of the coming of Jesus - without reading from Isaiah?

This poetic prophet's hymn of thanksgiving for God's goodness is filled with confidence. He is assured that what has been said is good as done, he proclaims the promise as fact. The salvation that was coming into the world had not yet come yet he celebrated the coming kingdom as if he were already in the presence of the King in the royal dining hall.

For us, this salvation has come, do we not have greater cause to rejoice? Rejoice that Jesus has secured salvation for the world. Rejoice in assurance, as Isaiah, that the Word of the Lord of His return is good as done.

We know the outcome of their waiting. Doesn't that reason that we know the result of ours?

The feast invitation has been extended and promised to "all peoples." Have you accepted?

He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth. As far as the east is from the west! Isn't that great news?! Isn't that alone cause to toss tinsel, string lights, deck halls?

The shroud of mystery hiding the identity of God's Son has been lifted, the dividing barrier has been removed. The question of "Who" has been answered. One "when?" has come. Polish the silver, get out the fine china, dress in your Sunday best, and invite the neighbors! Celebrate! Not the presents; the Presence.

"The LORD has spoken." A word you can trust.

"In that day they will say,"
[Is 25:9a]

"In that day they will say." Need we wait for the feast in "that day"? What God promised through Isaiah has been accomplished. Will we be the "they"? Will we say today:

"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
[Is 25:9b]

He waited to come that He might save His people at the perfect time. He saves still. He waits to come again that He might save yet more. That no chair at the banquet table will be empty. Have you claimed your seat? Are you living as to keep it reserved?

Jesus is Lord! Trust in Him, that you might be saved. Trust in Him, that you might rejoice. Trust in Him, the Rock, that you might have His peace.

Let the joy of your salvation light up your home. Let Christmas be the celebration of your trust in our Immutable God.

You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
[Is 26:3-4]

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.