“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 his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.” —Isaiah 25:6-8

24 Dec, 2020

The word ‘selah’ throughout Scripture is used as an exclamation mark at the end of a verse to help us pause and reflect on its meaning. Today, in day 24 of our Christmas devotional series we are resting on Isaiah 25:6-8. Selah.

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Restoration: Prince of Peace

by Clare Steele

Can you imagine a table filled to overflowing with the finest food and the best of wines? It is a great promise of divine hospitality. The scripture that we began our journey together from Isaiah 25 describes an image of deep fellowship.

It is an invitation.

This promise declares that one day our most basic needs will be met abundantly. In the new creation, there will be no more hunger, thirst, sickness or sorrow.

This promise is a covenant that God will satisfy our deepest needs. In the new creation, there will be no more isolation, exclusion or injustice. Jesus Christ invites everyone to this table. The poor and the powerless will not be forgotten.

We will eat at the table that God has prepared, and Scripture promises again and again that creation will be renewed. He will wipe away tears and remove disgrace.

This quote by John Stackhouse reminds me that Christmas is not just for the shiny and bright. It reminds me of the coming restoration.

“There is no yuletide sentimentality in Advent. Peace will not come by wishing for it. Peace will not come by imagining it. Peace will not come by God waving a magic wand over it. God’s justice will arrive like a hurricane … But God can blow the miasma away and leave only fresh air. God can roll back the clouds and let the sunshine in. And he will do so upon his own people for the benefit of all people.”

John Stackhouse

Our world is struggling to find peace. But it is only through God’s promised One that this is truly possible.

This is restoration.

This is the redemptive work of the gospel.

This is the waiting promise from our time spent together this Advent.

Through birth, life, death and resurrection, Jesus has brought peace for those who trust in Him.

Therefore, we celebrate. It is the beauty fulfilled in the true peace between us and God. And though we can taste a little goodness of this peace now, we long for heaven where with Jesus this peace will never end.

This is our call to justice, to sit at the table and restore His compassion to those in need.

Dear Jesus, Help us to see your world as your love would have it: one where the weak are protected, and none go hungry. A world where peace is built with justice, and restoration is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

From my table to yours,

Happy Christmas!

Clare Steele

Following a successful business career, Clare has worked for more than a decade in Christian ministry, focusing on strategic leadership that enables churches to better serve their communities. As Compassion Australia CEO, she is excited to see churches and Christians around the world empowered to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

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At the Table Conversation Starter

What encouragement can you bring to your community this Christmas about the restoration Christ promises?

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Advent Compassion Challenge

We have made it to Christmas Eve! This is an opportunity for you to spread a sign of peace to all those in your community today. As you attend church, pray and reflect, take the time to thank your family and spread encouragement this Christmas.