Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 2, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 1^st Week of Advent

Scripture Text:  Isaiah 11:1-10

On that day,

A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,

and from his roots a bud shall blossom.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:

a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

A Spirit of counsel and of strength,

a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,

and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.

Not by appearance shall he judge,

nor by hearsay shall he decide,

But he shall judge the poor with justice,

and decide aright for the land's afflicted.

He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,

and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

Justice shall be the band around his waist,

and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;

The calf and the young lion shall browse together,

with a little child to guide them.

The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,

together their young shall rest;

the lion shall eat hay like the ox.

The baby shall play by the cobra's den,

and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.

There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;

for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD,

as water covers the sea.

On that day,

The root of Jesse,

set up as a signal for the nations,

The Gentiles shall seek out,f

or his dwelling shall be glorious.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today captures the theme of week one of Advent so well – hope. The prophet Isaiah lays out for us the LORD’s message for us – one of great hope for the future through the person of Jesus Christ, a “shoot from the stump of Jesse” or, a king from the House of David. And Christ’s kingdom will be one of peace and justice.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

During this week of Advent focused on hope, how trusting am I of the LORD’s promises? Do I allow the LORD’s loving promises to buoy my soul during trying times?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we begin the season of Advent recalling your love for us and the gift of your beloved and only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, we ask that You send your Spirit to stir within us, to fuel our hope is what has been and your promises of what will be. Grant that we have the conviction to live as people of hope in this world in a time of darkness. May your promises uttered by the Prophets and begun through the birth of your Son to Mary in Bethlehem light our days. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.