Making Connections Review Dec 15
December 15 (Third Sunday of Advent = Joy) Isaiah 11:1-10, Jeremiah 23:1-6, John 15:1-8 Making Connections: Whether you have a green thumb or a black thumb, we can all understand some of the basics of plant-growing: good soil, good roots, sunlight & water. Some kinds of plants & vines can grow from a clipping, but most branches must stay connected to the whole system to grow. Taken away, they wither & die. Isaiah speaks of the Messiah as a branch shooting forth from the stump of Jesse, an image indicating that the Davidic line of kings has died out or been cut down. The Messiah will be new growth of a kingly line that otherwise was nothing but a stump. This Messiah branch will grow a kingdom with such peace that the lion & the lamb will lie down together and the child may play with the cobra. Jeremiah affirms this idea of a branch coming from David's line who will bring peace & govern Israel with righteousness. The New Testament has