Isaiah says God begins healing not in safe places, but at the wound. Zechariah later sings of a Sunrise that enters the shadow of death to guide our feet into the paths of peace. This Advent reflection explores how light interrupts darkness, how peace grows through justice, and how God prepares the Way before the world feels ready.

Isaiah’s Servant listens before he suffers, trusts before he is vindicated, and endures without fear. Zechariah later sings this same hope: rescued from our enemies so that we might serve God without fear. This Advent reflection explores how faith is formed in the dark—and how courage is awakened through listening.

Malachi ends the Hebrew Scriptures with an aching hope: that God will turn the hearts of parents toward their children. Centuries later, Zechariah hears that this same promise is rising again. Advent reminds us that God is still turning hearts, still healing the future by healing us from within.

“God with us” isn’t always comfortable. Isaiah’s prophecy shows Immanuel can be a sanctuary—or a stumbling stone—depending on where we place our trust. Before Advent gives us comfort, it gives us clarity: God steps into our fear and our failures, not to abandon us but to reshape our hope. This is the deeper story behind Christmas, and the pattern Matthew says continues in Jesus.

This Advent, we remember: God keeps fulfilling the pattern—life out of barrenness, hope out of collapse, presence where we fear there is none. God is with us.