Dr. Mark Gignilliat from Beeson Divinity School joins us today with a special Advent message from the book of Isaiah.

Does God seem distant to you? Do you wish that God would fill you in on what he's doing in this chaotic world that we live in?

Hebrews 1 tells us that, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”

The Lord has not left you and me to the best of our own imaginative devices. He has not left us to the best of our own intellectual enterprises to figure out who he is.

Jesus is the speech of God on display. The scriptures are God's inscribed word that witness to him.

The Lord has spoken. He has given himself to be known – to truly be known. But we must remember: we only get to know God on his terms. We don't get to know God on our terms.

I pray that in this season that each of you will be able to enter into Advent with joy and with hope.

Lord, thank you for these words from the prophet Isaiah. Even though they were written hundreds of years ago, they continue to resonate to us even today, as they point to you, oh Jesus, our wonderful counselor and our Mighty God.

I pray that you will bless these listeners during this season. Draw us to yourself, draw me to yourself, oh Lord!

In repentance and renewal, I pray in Jesus name, Amen!

⁠Dr. Mark Gignilliat⁠ is professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, where he teaches courses in Old Testament and Hebrew, and also serves as theologian in residence at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Birmingham. Dr. Gignilliat is married to Naomi, and they have four children. ⁠Watch on YouTube here