Today’s readings:
On that day,
The root of Jesse,
set up as a signal for the nations,
The Gentiles shall seek out,
for his dwelling shall be glorious.
The root of Jesse,
set up as a signal for the nations,
The Gentiles shall seek out,
for his dwelling shall be glorious.
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| Lighthouse, Ashland, WI |
As children growing up on the shore of
Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, WI, we would occasionally hear the deep bellow of
the fog horn sounding from the lighthouse.
Lake Superior is dotted with lighthouses whose purpose was to alert
ships about possible dangers while guiding them safely to their
destinations. Though modern navigational
technology has rendered the lighthouses obsolete, many continue to stand as
monuments to the dedication of so many “keepers of the light.”
One longstanding
Advent tradition is the creation of a “Jesse Tree.” Typical representations would show Jesse
sleeping with a tree growing from his side.
The branches of the tree would show the ancestors of Christ—with Jesus
himself displayed at the very top of the tree.
Certainly Christians think of Jesus as
that “root of Jesse” who is “set up as a signal for the nations.” It would be a pretty easy step from there for
believers to think of Jesus as a lighthouse who guides us through the treacherous
waters of life and brings us safely to heaven.
“"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)
Here’s a link to an appropriate song:
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