Unto Us a Child Is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Jewish Neighbors

The Book of Isaiah is a familiar voice for congregations during the season of Advent. So how do we create faithful, Christian interpretations of Isaiah for today while respecting the interpretations of our Jewish neighbors?

Integrating biblical scholarship with pastoral concern, Tyler Mayfield in his book “Unto Us a Child is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Jewish Neighbors,” invites readers to view Isaiah through two lenses. He demonstrates using near vision to see how the Christian liturgical season of Advent shapes readings of Isaiah and using far vision to clarify our relationship to Jews and Judaism—showing along the way how near vision and far vision are both required to read Isaiah clearly and responsibly.

As we see a rise in overt anti-Semitism in mainstream American culture, this adult education series not only provides an opportunity for deepening your understanding of Scripture but a broader way of thinking about how we, as Christians, engage with neighbors of other faiths and uphold the dignity of every human being.

Join Rev. Sarah for a presentation of the major themes and outline of Mayfield’s book as well as time for group discussion.