Saturday: Soaring on Wings of Hope: An Advent Reflection on Isaiah 40:31
“Advent is the whisper of hope that beckons us to believe in the possibility of miracles, even in the midst of our deepest darkness.”
— Jeremi Richardson.
As we find ourselves on this first Saturday of Advent, the air is charged with anticipation — an expectant hush that invites us to explore the depths of waiting. In the quiet corners of scripture, we uncover a timeless promise that resonates with the essence of Advent, found in Isaiah 40:31:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version).
This verse, a poetic masterpiece penned by the prophet Isaiah, offers profound insights into the character of God revealed while waiting — a theme central to the Advent narrative.
Isaiah’s words become a beacon of encouragement in the journey of Advent. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” This hope is not wishful thinking; it is an active trust in the promises of God. As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, may it symbolize the ignition of hope in our hearts, a hope that renews our strength and readies us for the journey ahead. The imagery of soaring on wings like eagles captures the spirit of liberation and freedom that Advent heralds. It is a call to rise above the ordinary, to fix our gaze on the imminent arrival of the Savior. During the hustle and bustle of the season, the promise of soaring on wings like eagles invites us to transcend distractions and challenges, finding a renewed sense of purpose. The subsequent lines of the verse speak of a divine endurance that accompanies our waiting. “They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Advent is a season of movement — a spiritual journey toward the manger. It is a call to run with joy and walk with perseverance, knowing that our hope in the Lord is the wellspring of enduring strength.
As we light the candles one by one, may the promise of Isaiah 40:31 infuse our Advent journey with resilience and joy. In the sacred waiting, we discover a profound truth: our hope in the Lord becomes the wings that allow us to soar above the challenges, run with joy, and walk with enduring faith.
This Advent season, let us embrace the invitation to soar on wings of hope. May the promise of renewal and strength in Isaiah 40:31 be the melody that accompanies us each day, guiding us toward celebrating the Savior’s birth.
Please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, as we run with joy and walk with endurance through the weeks of Advent, grant us the grace to fix our gaze on the imminent arrival of our Savior. May the promise of running without weariness and walking without fainting be a reality in our lives, sustained by the hope found in you — in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
