We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
About Isaiah
By Deacon Keith Fournier

One of the greatest of the Hebrew Prophets, Isaiah proclaimed the coming of the promised Messiah in great detail and in some of the most beautiful prose in the entire Old Testament of the Bible. The Church looking back upon his inspired words, of course sees them, as she does the entirety of the Old Testament, in the light of the Incarnation, Nativity, Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of the Father who came into our midst to fulfill all that was foretold and to form the New Israel, the Church.
This Prophets' inspired proclamations have made their way into the fabric of the beautiful liturgical readings and hymns of this great season of joyful expectation called Advent. The Lord had called the Nation of Israel to be His very own people. He entered into a Covenant with them. They were to be His special possession, the ones through whom He would reveal his universal and loving plan of salvation for all men and women.
During the second half of the eighth century B.C., the Northern Kingdom had collapsed under the horrid and relentless attacks of Assyria and Jerusalem the Holy City had been besieged by the armies of Sennacharib. The forces of darkness had arrayed against the People of God and they cried out for deliverance to the Lord who had promised to protect them.
In 742 the King of Judah Uzziah died. The great Hebrew Prophet Isaiah received his commission from heaven. He had an extraordinary vision which is recounted in this Prophetic book of the Old Testament. He also gave his own "Fiat" of surrender to the Father's invitation to be His messenger. In words recorded in this powerful text we can see into Isaiah's heart. We hear the response of a man with an honest self assessment, well aware of his own sin and unworthiness, but willing to give himself to God's service:
"At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. Then I said, "Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. "See," he said, "now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am," I said; "send me!" (Isaiah)
Those last few words have echoed throughout the ages in the response of millions of Christians who have said "Yes" to the Lord's call in their own lives.
He was allowed to see the great Liturgy of heaven and hear the song of the Angels, heard by the prophet Isaiah, is still sung by the faithful at every Eucharistic Liturgy, the Thrice Holy Hymn. "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!" they cried one to the other. "All the earth is filled with his glory!"
To this wonderful Servant of God was also revealed the great plan of the Father to send His Son, the Messiah, in these familiar words which we will proclaim in the beautiful Liturgical celebrations of the nativity of the Lord:
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 1 For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! (Isaiah 9)
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
More Advent & Christmas
Advent & Christmas 2023
Begins Sunday December 3, 2023
Ends on Sunday December 24, 2023
"And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'"
Christ the King
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Christ the King Day is a Catholic celebration that takes place on the last Sunday of the liturgical year in the Catholic faith. continue reading
Advent 2023 starts on Sunday December 3, 2023
Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas every year.Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
[holy day of obligation]
Friday December 8, 2023
Blessed Virgin Mary in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, ... continue reading
Advent 2023 ends on Sunday December 24, 2023
Advent ends on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas, every year.Christmas
Birth of Our Lord Jesus
[holy day of obligation]
Monday December 25, 2023
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. continue reading
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
[holy day of obligation]
Monday January 1, 2023
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. continue reading
Epiphany
Saturday January 6, 2023
The Epiphany signifies the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus. continue reading
Advent Reflections
Reflection for every day of Advent
Advent is a period of waiting, like Lent. We are called to obtain the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to pray and fast, as we await the arrival of our ... continue reading
Advent Calendar
Every day of Advent
An Advent calendar has become a tradition for many families when celebrating Advent and the Christmas season. continue reading
Advent Candle
24 Days of December
An Advent candle is a neat way to mark off the days until Christmas. Such candles are commonly found in churches and sometimes in homes. continue reading
Advent Wreath
Each Sunday of Advent
The wreath's symbolism of the advent (coming) of Light into the world is clear. The gradual lighting of the four candles, one on each Sunday of the ... continue reading
Advent & Christmas Classes
14 Free Classes - Mobile Friendly
You’re joining our global classroom. Thousands of students from all over the world, each with their own unique story, learn at their own pace on ... continue reading
Advent & Christmas PDFs
FREE - Printable - Catholic
Free Advent & Christmas PDFs for anyone, anywhere; Use in your Parish Church - School - Bulletin Inserts. continue reading
Christmas Gifts
Free Shipping $70+
Make This Christmas Special with Gifts from Catholic Online Shopping. continue reading
Nativity Scene
Holy Family
The Nativity Scene is a meaningful expression for our religious faith. With it, we provide a captivating visual focus during the Christmas season. continue reading
St. Nicholas
December 6th
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Saint Nicholas. continue reading
Advent? What is it all about

The Christmas Story

Advent Daily Readings

More Advent & Christmas
Advent Reflection - Day 2 - The First Monday of Advent Watch

Your Daily Advent Reflection - Day 2 - First Monday of AdventYou're going through trouble, but is it the right trouble? Advent is a ... continue reading
Advent Reflection - Day 1 - The First Sunday of Advent Watch

Your Daily Advent Reflection - Day 1 - The First Sunday of AdventDo you know what Advent is really for? We begin the season of Advent ... continue reading

Why Celebrate Advent?

This coming Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. Many bring out the advent candles out of storage and set them in a wreath. Over these few ... continue reading
If you want Christmas to be special, celebrate Advent! Watch

Of all the seasons of the liturgical year, Advent seems to be the most overlooked. Overshadowed by Christmas, Advent is forgotten and ... continue reading
How to bless your Advent Wreath at home Watch

The Advent Season is upon us, and many of us have put up our Advent Wreaths. Did you know you can bless your Advent Wreath right at home? ... continue reading
Catholic Online Shopping Offers Deals with Free Shipping from Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

The season of giving is upon us, and Catholic Online Shopping is here to make it even more special for you! From Black Friday through Cyber ... continue reading
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Tuesday, December 05, 2023
St. Sabas: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, December 05, 2023
Infant Jesus of Prague Novena Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, December 05, 2023
- Daily Readings for Monday, December 04, 2023
- St. John of Damascus: Saint of the Day for Monday, December 04, 2023
- Thanks for Family and Friends: Prayer of the Day for Monday, December 04, 2023
FREE Catholic Classes Pick a class, you can learn anything
Copyright 2023 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2023 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.