Advent Day 1 - Jesus is the Root of Jesse

Advent Day 1 – Jesus is the Root of Jesse

Today is the first day of Advent!  HCOG is changing up things this season, and we are so excited to start this new series online together to bring us all closer in our relationship with God.  We hope that you will join in with us for the next few weeks as we celebrate Jesus as the Reason for the Season! 

Jesus is the Root of Jesse

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
Who shall stand as a banner to the people;
For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious.”
—Isaiah 11:10 NKJV

Isaiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, gave us many prophecies about the coming Messiah. He spoke of a Savior who would be born to redeem humanity, declaring in later chapters that the government would rest upon His shoulders and that He would be called Immanuel, meaning "God with us." Isaiah 11:10 identifies Jesus as the Root of Jesse, connecting Him to King David’s lineage and highlighting His role as a beacon for all people.

In Roman times, the vexillarius carried a banner to serve as a rallying point for troops. Soldiers could look to the banner for guidance and direction, knowing it marked a safe place to return to during the chaos of battle. Spiritually, Jesus is our banner—the rallying point for a lost and weary world. John 3:16 reminds us that God sent His only Son to save us, offering us eternal life through Him. Similarly, Matthew 7:7-8 assures us that if we seek Him, we will find Him, and the door to His kingdom will always be open.

This idea reminds me of the game capture the flag. In the game, the goal is to seize the opposing team's flag and return it to your own base to win. When viewed through a spiritual lens, Isaiah’s prophecy reflects this concept: Jesus, the Root of Jesse, stands as the banner for the people. He is the ultimate "home base" where we find victory. Gentiles—and all who are far from God—are invited to seek Him, find Him, and return to Him.

Just as in capture the flag victory comes when the flag is brought home, we find our spiritual victory when we rally to Jesus. He is both our banner and our resting place, the one who offers peace and restoration to weary souls.

Reflection:
Are you seeking Jesus, the Root of Jesse, as your banner and resting place? In a world full of distractions and chaos, let Him be your rallying point—the place where you find hope, guidance, and rest.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Root of Jesse, my banner and resting place. Help me to seek You with all my heart and find my home in Your glorious presence. Guide me to share Your invitation with others so they too can experience the peace and victory found in You. Amen.