The first readings for these beginning days of Advent are all taken from the Book of Isaiah. It is a complex book in many ways and it is one of the most cited books of the Old Testament by New Testament writers indicating the importance and esteem it holds in the scriptural imagination. You can read a short introduction to the book here.

Today the first reading is taken from Isaiah 2:1-5, whose opening is duplicated almost exactly in Micah 4:1–3. Like Isaiah, Micah was an eighth-century prophet of the southern kingdom. Both prophets held Mount Zion to be a sacred mountain, the center of the earth, and important for the whole world  – the same sentiment expressed in Psalms 46–48.

This vision of the future of Zion already contains the idea that Israel is a light to the nations, a theme we will meet again in Second Isaiah. The Israelites are not told to go out to convert the nations but to attract them by their worship on Mt. Zion. In the ideal world of the future time, all nations will come together to the central city of Jerusalem (which encompasses Zion). Recognition of the claims of Jerusalem is then recognition of Yahweh as sovereign.

“In days to come”: it is often tempting to think of this phrase as pointing to the end of time, a millennial age, the consummation of history. But it is an expression that is found in many places in the Old Testament where the events are well within Israel’s history – but to be fair it is also found in several places where the expression is pointing to the consummation of history (e.g. Dan 10:14). “In days to come” translates a phrase which literally means “in the afterward of these days.” The Hebrews did not “face the future” as we do with the past behind us, rather, they faced the past and essentially “backed into” the future. The past was known while the future was unknowable except through the promises and consistency of God’s word and God’s actions in history.

“The mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it.” In the ancient Near East, many religions saw their gods as dwelling on a high mountain (Olympus for the Greeks or Cassius for the Phoenicians). What Isaiah was asserting was that one day it would become clear that the religion of Israel was the true religion; that her God was God alone. To say that his mountain would become the highest of all was a way of making that assertion.

This vision of the future of Zion already contains the idea that Israel is a light to the nations, a theme we will meet again throughout Isaiah. It is interesting to note that the Israelites are not told to go out to convert the nations but to attract them by their worship on Mt. Zion. If their worship is unblemished and true, then in the ideal world all nations will come together to the central city of Jerusalem. Recognition of the witness and claims of the faith emanating from Jerusalem points not to itself but to the recognition of the Lord God as sovereign over all peoples and all nations.

Why is this reading used here at the start of the Season of Advent? Advent is a season of expectation and preparation for the coming of Christ. Isaiah’s words speak to a longing that is deeply human: a longing for peace, unity, and God’s reign.

Isaiah describes a scene where all nations stream toward the mountain of the Lord, eager to receive His instruction. He says: “Come, let us go up to the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” (Isaiah 2:3) This invitation is universal. God’s call is not limited to Israel but extends to all people. The mountain symbolizes a place of encounter with God, where His truth is revealed, and His justice reigns. Advent calls us to ascend this mountain spiritually, seeking God’s guidance in our lives.

Isaiah continues with a beautiful promise: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (Isaiah 2:4) This vision challenges us to reflect on our role in building peace. In a world torn by conflict, violence, and division, Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that God’s kingdom is a kingdom of peace. But this peace begins in our own hearts, homes, and communities. Advent invites us to let Christ transform our hearts from instruments of division into tools of reconciliation.

Isaiah concludes with a call to action: “House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!” (Isaiah 2:5) Advent is a season of light breaking into darkness. It is a time to turn away from sin and walk in the light of Christ. This means living lives of integrity, kindness, and justice. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s first coming and anticipate His return in glory, we are called to be bearers of His light in the world.

Isaiah’s vision is both a promise and a challenge. The promise is that God’s kingdom of peace and justice is coming. The challenge is to prepare for it by aligning our lives with God’s ways. This Advent, let us ascend the mountain of the Lord through prayer, repentance, and acts of love. May we become instruments of His peace, walking in His light and inviting others to do the same.

“Come, Lord Jesus, and teach us Your ways, that we may walk in Your paths.” 

Amen.

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Image credit: The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs | Fra Angelico | National Gallery Washington DC |  PD via Wikimedia Commons