Despised and Exalted - Advent

In this week's passage, what some know as the second of the Songs, we see a glimpse of Christmas, set against the backdrop of Jesus' whole ministry.  Christ is the one who was hidden in the palm of God's hand for long ages until at last he emerged to call God's people back to himself.  But instead of receiving him with joy, the nation who should have recognized him rejected him.  But did the Servant run in vain?  The answer is given in Isaiah: the Servant will be exalted over all kings and will gather all the nations to himself to form a renewed people for God.