Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year Advent 2019 - God With Us | Page 17

Thursday, December 26
Reading: Isaiah 45-46 (
8 minutes)
Short Reading: Isaiah 45:15-22 (
1 minute)
In chapter 45, the Lord mentions Cyrus by name. He would use Cyrus the Great of Persia to
accomplish his purposes of setting the Jewish exiles in Babylon free. The Lord controls and rules over
all of history for the good of his church. At Christmas we also consider how God used to the decree of
Caesar Augustus to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. There in Bethlehem one greater than Cyrus
was born who would accomplish the Lord’s saving purposes. What does God tell us about his
gracious work on our behalf in today’s reading?
New Testament Connections:
Isaiah 45:23 → Romans 14:11
Friday, December 27
Reading: Isaiah 47-48 (
8 minutes)
Short Reading: Isaiah 48:17-22 (
1 minute)
Kingdoms rise and fall, but the word of our God stands forever! God’s Word and God’s work of
redemption bring his people peace. But there is no peace for the wicked. Pay attention to how the
thoughts of peace for God’s people and no peace for the wicked are shared throughout this reading.
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