In Central Australia one can often find amazing miracles of new plants growing out of parched earth and rock. In Isaiah chapter 11 God makes an extravagant promise of a green shoot growing from a dead stump to people devastated by grief and loss. This shoot points us to the One who alone brings new life through death, Jesus Christ. As we look ahead to Christmas, God calls us to come and see the miracle for ourselves and to receive His gift of life. [Advent 2]