“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.

No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.

They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the L ORD, and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the L ORD. Isaiah 65:17-25 (ESV)

Human beings desire to live in a perfect world.

Much of the twentieth century was filled with movements that promised to provide the perfect world.

Human beings desire to live in a perfect world. Much of the twentieth century was filled with movements that promised to provide the perfect world. Those movements were responsible for most of the crimes of that century.

Human beings desire to live in a perfect world. Much of the twentieth century was filled with movements that promised to provide the perfect world. Those movements were responsible for most of the crimes of that century. The postmodern movement tells us that we should abandon all attempts at finding such a world.

Human beings desire to live in a perfect world. Much of the twentieth century was filled with movements that promised to provide the perfect world. Those movements were responsible for most of the crimes of that century. The postmodern movement tells us that we should abandon all attempts at finding such a world. Other movements promise us that we can build this perfect world.

Human beings want the perfect world, but they want to build it themselves with no reference to God.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.

This passage has both a warning and a promise.

This passage has both a warning and a promise. All human attempts to produce a perfect world will end in failure.

This passage has both a warning and a promise. All human attempts to produce a perfect world will end in failure. Even attempts by those who call themselves Christians, if they are not empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, will end in failure.

This passage has both a warning and a promise. God promises that he will create a new world, a new people, and a new city.

Advent

Advent How does any of this relate to the birth of Christ?

Advent Every year we celebrate the birth of the Savior.

Advent Every year we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Sometimes we recognize that the first advent was a fulfillment of prophesy.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the L ORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

Advent Every year we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Sometimes we recognize that the first advent was a fulfillment of prophesy. Oftentimes we fail to remember that the first advent points to the second advent. Both Advent and Easter look backward and also forward.

Advent Every year we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Sometimes we recognize that the first advent was a fulfillment of prophesy. Oftentimes we fail to remember that the first advent points to the second advent.

What does this passage say to us?

It gives us a promise that God will accomplish his will.

What does this passage say to us? It gives us a promise that God will accomplish his will. This advent, while we look back, we should look forward with anticipation.

What does this passage say to us? It gives us a promise that God will accomplish his will. This advent, while we look back, we should look forward with anticipation. We should realize that this promise should give us the courage to live in our world.

Antoine Audo

Bishop of the Chaldean Church in Aleppo, Syria.

Antoine Audo Bishop of the Chaldean Church in Aleppo, Syria. He continues to work in Aleppo despite the fact that the city has become the opposite of what Isaiah describes.

No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.

They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Antoine Audo Bishop of the Chaldean Church in Aleppo, Syria. His parishioners need him.

Antoine Audo Bishop of the Chaldean Church in Aleppo, Syria. His parishioners need him. He tells others that the Muslims need him.