For most of us, the holiday season is largely a season of preparation:

We prepare to exchange presents by dashing around the mall. We prepare for holiday parties by coating the Christmas tree in gobs of tinsel. We prepare for winter weather by greasing up the sled and stockpiling hot cocoa.

But for Christians, our most meaningful act of preparation during this hectic season is to solemnly but expectantly prepare our hearts to celebrate the incarnation of our Lord Jesus during Christmastime.

In the Christian Church, the season of Advent is just such a season of spiritual preparation for Christmas. Spanning the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, it is an incredibly practical time to pause, open up God’s Word and reflect upon the person of Jesus—whose first coming was eagerly awaited by Old Testament believers and whose second coming is eagerly awaited by his followers today.

As we begin this season of Advent, take a moment to read through this prophetic passage from Isaiah 11. Reflect on how this description of Jesus enriches your anticipation, not only of Christmas, but of the heavenly Kingdom of God.

Isaiah 11:1-9

The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.



The spirit of the Lord will give him wisdom


and the knowledge and skill to rule his people.


He will know the Lord’s will and honor him,


and find pleasure in obeying him.


He will not judge by appearance or hearsay;


he will judge the poor fairly


and defend the rights of the helpless.


At his command the people will be punished,


and evil persons will die.


He will rule his people with justice and integrity.



Wolves and sheep will live together in peace,


and leopards will lie down with young goats.


Calves and lion cubs will feed together,


and little children will take care of them.


Cows and bears will eat together,


and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace.


Lions will eat straw as cattle do.


Even a baby will not be harmed


if it plays near a poisonous snake.


On Zion, God’s sacred hill,


there will be nothing harmful or evil.


The land will be as full of knowledge of the Lord


as the seas are full of water.

To prepare for Christmas, dive into a special Advent Scripture Journey through the Gospel narratives of Matthew or Luke.