“Come, all you who are thirsty,
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
    and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
    and you will delight in the richest of fare. 

Give ear and come to me;
    listen, that you may live. “

Isaiah 55:1-3 

–

January 2, 2026 

Happy ninth day of Christmas! Are you still celebrating and feasting?  

As we close out this week and our time in Isaiah 55, I want to call our attention to a few of the action words in the opening invitation.  

Come. Buy. Eat. Listen.  

Each of these words are repeated over and over in this brief stanza. Five times we are invited to come. Multiple times we are implored to buy and eat. Twice in a row we are compelled to listen, listen and then again in the final line.  

Come. Buy. Eat. Listen.  

As we begin this new year, stepping into an unknowable future, let us keep this invitation from God close to our minds and hearts.  

Come. Come all of you. Come buy and eat (even, and especially, if you have no resources to give in exchange). Listen, listen. Eat what is good. Delight in the richest fare. Listen, listen, that you may live.  

Friends, we can be sure that the coming days, weeks, and months will be filled with noise, with chaos, with demands to consume and labor for things that do not satisfy.  

In the midst of it all, may we hear this voice inviting us to lay it all down and come, listen, and receive abundant life.  

Brothers and sisters, may you go out in joy. May you be led forth in peace. May the mountains and trees break into songs of joy as you move towards God’s kingdom. May they clap their hands.  

Special Message: 

For the past 11 years, Catherine McNeil has been the editor of our Wheaton Bible Devotions. She has edited, written, planned, and worked with a variety of writers to bring us beautiful words inspired by Scripture. This role is not easy, but God has used her as a writer to minister to our congregation. You can find her four books on Amazon, and each one has led me to growth in my walk with Christ. Personally, Catherine has encouraged, spoken wise words, and been a smiling face to sit with. She is finishing up her education and taking on new roles at this time, and will have to step away from her role here. We will miss Catherine and thank her for her ministry these past 11 years. 

Due to staff transitions, we will change our devotions starting in 2026. We encourage everyone to follow our church’s Bible reading plan, and since you are currently subscribed, we will send an online devotional associated with that plan to your inbox. Stay in the Word and keep growing in your faith. 

  • Pastor Phil Shields 

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, January 2: Ezra 2; Acts 2 
  • Saturday, January 3: Ezra 3; Acts 3 
  • Sunday, January 4: Ezra 4; Acts 4 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What invitation is God offering you, today?  
  • What is God inviting you to let go of, this year? 
  • What is God offering for you to take hold of, this year?