December 7 — Isaiah 11:1–4

Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse,
    and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and strength,
    the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD.

He will not judge by what His eyes see,
    and He will not decide by what His ears hear,
but with righteousness He will judge the poor,
    and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth
    and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
— Isaiah 11:1-4


Isaiah paints a picture of surprising hope: a shoot growing from what looks like a dead stump. Israel’s royal line, once vibrant and flourishing, had been reduced to almost nothing through exile, rebellion, and loss. Yet God declares that from this stump—this seemingly hopeless place—new life will emerge. Advent invites us to look again at the stumps in our own lives, the places that feel barren or finished, and to remember that God often chooses these very places to begin His most powerful work. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, came not through strength or splendor but through humility, vulnerability, and quiet beginnings.

This coming One—the “Branch from Jesse”—is filled with the Spirit in all His fullness: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and reverence for God. Jesus does not rule like earthly kings. He does not judge by appearances or make decisions based on surface impressions. He sees the heart. He hears the unheard. He lifts the poor and defends the lowly. His reign is marked by justice that restores rather than crushes and by righteousness that brings healing instead of fear. Advent is a reminder that the character of Christ is the character of God’s kingdom. To prepare for His coming is to cultivate hearts aligned with His Spirit.

As you reflect on Isaiah’s prophecy, consider these questions: Where do you see “stumps” in your life—areas that feel cut down, diminished, or without clear direction? How might God be preparing to grow something new there? Which aspect of the Spirit’s work in Jesus—wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, or holy fear—do you need most right now? And how might you practice seeing others the way Christ sees them, without judgment or assumption but with compassion, equity, and sincerity?

For today’s practice, take a small branch, leaf, or even a green sprig from outdoors (or imagine one if that isn’t possible). Hold it in your hand as a symbol of the new life God brings out of unlikely places. Pray, “Lord, bring growth where I see only stumps.” Then choose one small act of justice or mercy today—a word of encouragement, a humble apology, a gift to someone in need, or a moment of listening to someone who often feels unheard. Let this act reflect the Spirit of the coming King.


Loving Father, 

Thank You for the hope You bring out of places that seem lifeless. Grow in me the character of Jesus—His wisdom, His compassion, His strength, and His love for righteousness. Help me trust that You can bring new life where I see only stumps and teach me to walk in the ways of Your coming kingdom. 

All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-

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