First Sunday in Advent
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
On Sunday evenings, I usually watch the TV program 60 Minutes and have been doing so since I was a child, which may seem odd, but my Dad always watched it and we only had one television. This past week, one of the reports was on destruction in the town of Sumy, Ukraine, caused by two ballistic missiles that were launched by Russia during the busiest time of the day on Palm Sunday. A crowded city bus was obliterated, and innocent people were killed and injured. The Russians claimed they were aiming at a different target and the attack was regrettable.
As I watched footage of this carnage, and listened to the survivors’ stories, I kept reminding myself that this is a real place and these are real people whose lives are being torn apart by war. Since February of 2022 in Ukraine and Russia, and October of 2023 in Israel and Palestine, the violence of war has killed and injured millions. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed; trauma has scarred people’s lives and in Gaza famine and lack of medical care has led to incredible loss.
For us, this is the context – in part – in which we hear the Prophet Isaiah’s words, “they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not life up sward against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.” Throughout the centuries, this text from Isaiah has been read in Advent on the Sunday when the theme is hope, and people have wondered if there is any.
The fact is that when the Prophet had this vision it was a turbulent time in Israel’s history. The Assyrians were the aggressor at the time and were attempting to establish an empire that would include Egypt. To do so, they had to defeat smaller kingdoms in what is modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. They conquered cities and deported the captives to serve as cheap labor in support of their war effort.
At the time, Israel was no longer a united nation, but had split in two, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Israel, the northern kingdom, was sacked in 722 BCE. The Assyrians headed to Judah, and had arrived at its capital Jerusalem, when an amazing thing happened; a civil war in Assyria’s capital required the return of the army. Jerusalem was spared!
The text we read today magnifies that moment; commentator Corrine Carvalho writes that it’s as if Isaiah, who worked for the king of Judah, was saying, “If you think that was amazing, just wait! Someday, these very same enemies will return here to this city, not in hostility and violence, but in humility and kindness.” They will realize that Israel’s God is the source of wisdom. (1)
The scene is described in verse 3, “Many people’s will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction….” God will be the arbitrator of all disputes among nations; as a result, weapons will be transformed to tools used to grow food and feed the hungry, and learning war (as well as participating in it) will be no more.
Well, the book of Isaiah soon moves on, back to reality, but these verses keep hope alive. The “days to come” that Isaiah describes are still coming; the Prophet’s words tell us for what we should hope.
Commentator Meg Jenista offers this description, “…we are to hope for a world filled with people on pilgrimage to worship God…a world in which God is active: God will teach us…. God will judge us and settle all disputes. (It’s) a world in which people are so enamored of a vision of this thing that they have never once seen – a world at peace, without violence, war or hostility – that they lean into it, living toward its impossible truth. Until at last, ‘Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.’” (2)
Only God can bring this fully into being, in the meantime, we are called to be peacemakers. We are to be the light of peace that shines in the darkness around us. As the Apostle Paul encourages us in today’s reading from Romans 13, “Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Our focus should not be just on what’s happening in the world; we are to live peaceable lives. But, how? Here’s a few ideas from a list of ways to be peacemakers in daily life.
• Listen before speaking: Try to understand the heart behind what others are saying before responding.
• Respond gently: Use a calm and gentle tone, as a gentle answer can defuse anger.
• Let go of the need to be right: Focus on the relationship rather than winning an argument.
• Pray for difficult people: Praying for those you find challenging can help change your perspective.
• Avoid gossip and complaining: Refrain from speaking negatively about others to maintain trust and a positive attitude.
• Assume the best: Believe the best in people.
• Set healthy boundaries: Peace doesn't mean accepting chaos; you can set boundaries without being hostile.
• Take the first step toward reconciliation: If there are unresolved tensions, reach out with humility to mend the relationship.
• Extend forgiveness: Choose to let go of grudges and resentment, as this releases you from the burden of unforgiveness.
• Be a source of encouragement: Use your words to strengthen others and avoid harsh criticism.
• Reflect the character of God: Be a peacemaker by embodying love and forgiveness, reflecting God's character.
Did you notice that these are all ways Jesus taught us to live? It’s notable, too, that the early Christian readers of Isaiah’s vision connected it to the coming of Jesus, both his first arrival in Bethlehem and his anticipated second coming in glory. Isaiah’s words sparked the hope that the coming of Jesus did, and will, make all things new.
Quoting Dr. John Holbert, “…Christmas is … an announcement that the world we see is not world that always will be. Peace and justice and profound hope for the world is possible, and the little Bethlehem baby is a sign of that truth.” (3)
God has dwelled among us, entering into our violent world to teach us the ways of justice and peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus, has come, with healing for a wounded world. As Dr. Holbert noted, “We need Advent as a reminder that Jesus’ coming makes great things possible. Light that first Advent candle, and imagine a world without swords or spears, without missiles and tanks, and look forward to the One who comes to bring light into the dark world, trailing plows and fruit hooks with him.” (4)
Come let us walk in hope … in the light of the Lord. AMEN
(1) “Commentary on Isaiah 2:1-5” by Corrine Carvalho, www.workingpreacher.org
(2) “Isaiah 2:1-5 Commentary” by Meg Menista, November 30, 2025, www.cepreaching.org
(3) “Of Fruit Hooks and Plow Points – Reflections on Isaiah 2:1-5” by Dr. John Holbert, November 27, 2022, www.pcpe.smu.edu
(4) Same as #3