Isaiah invites us to consider an exhilarating vision: a King anointed not with power, but with the Spirit of wisdom, justice, and peace. He will judge not by appearances, but with righteousness, defending the poor and striking down oppression. And then - the unimaginable - the wolf dwelling with the lamb, the lion eating straw like the ox, a child playing safely near the viper's den. This is not a pipe dream; it is God's promise of a world restored, where harmony flows from the knowledge of the Lord. And we are waiting in anticipation for such a moment.

The psalmist echoes this longing. True justice is not just fairness - it is liberation for the oppressed, mercy for the weak, and a kingdom where the poor are seen, heard, and lifted up.

Then comes John the Baptist in a clear and ringing voice, calling for repentance. God sees through the hypocrisies and claims of entitlement. God wants transformed hearts.

Are we preparing the way for this King? Do we long for His justice, His peace? The axe is at the root - God desires that we bear fruit. This is our hope: not in our own strength, but in the Spirit who remakes the world. A world where the wolf and lamb lie down together begins in hearts surrendered to Christ.