THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 7TH DECEMBER 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
2nd Sunday of Advent
Julianis Báez de Pichardo (Dominican Republic)
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 61:1-7
[The Lord] has sent me to . . . provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. – Isaiah 61:1, 3 (NIV)
A beloved Christmas tradition in the Dominican Republic is the exchange of gifts, called Angelitos (little angels). Names are written on pieces of paper that are placed in a container so people can randomly draw the name of the person to whom they will give a gift. Angelitos is a beautiful tradition shared within families, church communities, and among colleagues. It fosters the generosity characteristic of the Christmas season.
In Isaiah 61, we read of God’s promise to humankind — the brokenhearted, those in prison, those who mourn, the afflicted. It’s a promise that offers the good news of an exchange: “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” All this is available not only at Christmastime but all year round through faith in Jesus Christ. No wonder that when Jesus was born, the heavenly host appeared in Bethlehem, proclaiming peace and goodwill to all (see Lk. 2:8-15).
I accepted Jesus as my Savior in 2006, and this has been the best exchange of all — my former self for new life in Christ; my sins for God’s forgiveness; my darkness for Christ’s light.
Thought for the Day
Christ’s birth was the greatest gift of all.
Prayer Focus
To give generously
Today’s Prayer
God of good news, thank you for the gift of your Son who offers us salvation. All glory be to you! Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 7th December 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More