Christian Reflection and Prayer

"Are You Going?"

Read Isaiah 2:1-3a.
Many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us go up to the
mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob.
" Isaiah 2:3a

Holidays are great fun, especially when brothers and sisters
who are scattered across the country gather together for
Christmas. Imagine getting a message from a family member
in Michigan: "I can't wait to spend Christmas with you at Mom's!"
Then you get an e-mail from a brother in California: "Looking
forward to catching up when we get in for Christmas!" And then
there's a text from a third in North Carolina: "3 1/2 wks & counting-
can't wait ..." Our excitement builds when we realize we will be
together again, and everyone is looking forward to celebrating
together.

In this week's Old Testament Lesson our brothers and sisters in
Christ are excited to share a similar message with us: "Let's go
up to the house of God!" But it isn't a once-a-year invitation just
for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. They need us this weekend
and every weekend. (They would even love to see you this
Wednesday night if there's an Advent service at your church.)
Their joy won't be quite as full unless you are there with them!

But if you take a closer look at the verse above you'll notice it
says "many peoples" will come and call you. The members of
your congregation aren't the only ones calling. All your Christian
brothers and sisters around the world are calling you to come on
up with them to God's holy mountain.

One of the best examples of this is the National Youth Gathering
that was held in San Antonio in July 2013. In the days, weeks,
and months before the event you can bet texts and e-mails were
flying across the country among friends who were looking forward
to spending the week together. And in the weeks after the get-
together many more e-mails, texts, tweets, and posts crisscrossed
the nation and the world: "That was so great! Wish we could do it
again!" Now imagine a worldwide gathering that won't end after a few
days but will last forever! That's heaven.

It took a lot of hard work and planning by dozens of dedicated people
to put the National Youth Gathering together. But to put our heavenly
reunion together it took Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He
suffered and died to take away our sins so we would be fit to come,
and He is now preparing a place for us to stay eternally. No wonder
your brothers and sisters around the world and in heaven are excited
about the journey and are calling you to join them. "Come, let us go
up to the mountain of the Lord, the house of our God!"

THE PRAYER:

Lord, open my ears to hear my brothers and sisters calling me to join
them, and let me join my voice with theirs. Especially lead me to call
those who have not yet heard Your invitation. In Jesus' Name. Amen

(Lutheran Hour Ministries).