Welcome to Church of the City, New York's Advent Devotionals.

Jesus was good news in the first century, and he is still good news today.

In the Christmas stories recounted in Scripture, people always responded to Jesus with amazement and praise.

This response came from deep longings and heartbreak being met with God breaking in to

fulfill his promises, offer his forgiveness, bring his justice and peace, and extend his love.

This Christmas, we hope you will have your own encounter with the person of Jesus and the

good news of his birth.

And like those of old,

let your song of praise resound to the world around you.

Today's reading comes from Isaiah 40, verse 28 to 31. Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. 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. God called Isaiah to be his prophet during a dark and rebellious

period in Judah's history.

In chapter 40, Isaiah addresses God's people, conquered and sent into exile in Babylon.

The people of Judah were weary and disillusioned.

Due to their current situation and past sin, they felt that God had abandoned them, and they declared,

My way is hidden from the Lord, my cause is

disregarded by my God, verse 27. In the face of their continued doubt, God breathtakingly declares

deliverance and comfort. Their sins have been paid for, and they will be restored. In response

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