From the stump
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:1-2
As we approach Christmas, Isaiah’s ancient prophecy invites us to look at the miracle behind the manger.
Israel looked like a fallen tree—cut down, dried up, and hopeless. Yet God promised that from this “stump of Jesse,” a new shoot would spring up.
This tender Branch is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem. In the quietness of that holy night, God fulfilled His word, sending a Savior filled with the Spirit in all His fullness—wisdom for our confusion, understanding for our questions, counsel for our decisions, might for our weakness, knowledge for our journey, and reverence that draws us closer to the Father.
Christmas is the celebration of hope growing again in places that look cut down. It tells us that God brings life out of barrenness, fulfillment out of delay, and fruitfulness out of what looks forgotten.
Jesus is the Branch that still bears fruit in our lives, restoring what seemed lost and making all things new.
Reflection:
Where do you feel like a “stump” today—an area that seems dry, unfruitful, or cut down? Christmas reminds us that God brings new beginnings in unexpected places. Jesus, the Spirit-filled Branch, wants to grow life, wisdom, and strength in you. Will you allow Him to bring fresh hope into your heart this season?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the promised Branch who brings life where there is none. This Christmas, let Your Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might rest upon me. Restore hope in every place that feels cut down. Let Christ grow in me, bear fruit through me, and fill my home with His peace and presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Israel looked like a fallen tree—cut down, dried up, and hopeless. Yet God promised that from this “stump of Jesse,” a new shoot would spring up.
This tender Branch is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem. In the quietness of that holy night, God fulfilled His word, sending a Savior filled with the Spirit in all His fullness—wisdom for our confusion, understanding for our questions, counsel for our decisions, might for our weakness, knowledge for our journey, and reverence that draws us closer to the Father.
Christmas is the celebration of hope growing again in places that look cut down. It tells us that God brings life out of barrenness, fulfillment out of delay, and fruitfulness out of what looks forgotten.
Jesus is the Branch that still bears fruit in our lives, restoring what seemed lost and making all things new.
Reflection:
Where do you feel like a “stump” today—an area that seems dry, unfruitful, or cut down? Christmas reminds us that God brings new beginnings in unexpected places. Jesus, the Spirit-filled Branch, wants to grow life, wisdom, and strength in you. Will you allow Him to bring fresh hope into your heart this season?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the promised Branch who brings life where there is none. This Christmas, let Your Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might rest upon me. Restore hope in every place that feels cut down. Let Christ grow in me, bear fruit through me, and fill my home with His peace and presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.