ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 7th December 2025 - 2nd Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

The Gospel reading introduces us to the adult figure of John the Baptist. His appearance reflects that of the Old Testament prophet Elijah, echoing the expectation that Elijah will appear before the coming of the Messiah. But he is also presented as an outsider, wearing the clothes and eating the food of the desert. Although his language is graphic, his description of the Sadducees and Pharisees as a 'brood of vipers' creates a powerful contrast. God is not depicted as being at work within the religious establishment, neither those who represent its pomp and ceremony nor its learning and orthodoxy, but rather beyond its boundaries. This offers a helpful introduction into that general theme that God can be present today in our working lives, our everyday activities and those things that we do beyond the boundaries of organised religion.

This lectionary year, most Gospel readings are drawn from Matthew, who begins his account of the life of Jesus with a genealogy that traces his ancestors back to David, Jesse and beyond. It is this family tree that the prophet Isaiah clearly has in mind, when he speaks of the stump of Jesse once again sprouting life. It is not a literal tree that has been felled, but the monarchic dynasty appears to have reached its end. Jesus' identity as being of the 'house and line of David' is critical to his future ministry and vocation. We continue to recognise the role that history and family influences play in our culture and personalities today. This might be used to highlight the role played by genealogists and historians in helping us understand and identify such influences. One way of reflecting this might be to recognise how many traditional English surnames are rooted in family professions (e.g. Smith, Cooper, Carpenter etc.)

The reading from Isaiah also conveys a strong sense of justice and righteousness. This provides a natural opportunity to highlight and pray for those involved in administering justice in our contemporary society. This might particularly include those involved in human rights or seeking reform of those systems and practices that seem unfair and ineffective. The Psalm is voiced by a Monarch, seeking divine help in embedding these principles in their own rule and reign. This offers itself as a platform from which to consider the role or leaders in every level of society, and the need for an approach that represents the values of God's Kingdom.