# A bruised reed

Advent devotional for Thursday, December 10, 2026. Day 12 of 27.

> Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one, in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise his voice, or make it heard in the street. A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not snuff out; he will faithfully bring forth justice. ([Isaiah 42:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/42#1-3), Lumin Translation)

God introduces his servant, the one he delights in. You might expect a loud leader. Instead he will not shout in the street. He will not break a bruised reed or put out a wick that is barely burning.

A bruised reed is bent and nearly useless. A dim wick smokes more than it shines. That is how many people feel by December.

Matthew says this servant is Jesus ([Matthew 12:18-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/12#18-21)). He does not throw away what is damaged. If your faith is barely flickering, he is not standing over you to snuff it out.

## Prayer

Gentle Lord, I am more bruised than I let on. Thank you that you do not break what is bent. Keep my small flame burning. Amen.

## A question to carry

Where do you feel bruised or burned out?

Read the whole chapter: [Isaiah 42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/42)

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/advent/december-10