# By his wounds

Advent devotional for Friday, December 11, 2026. Day 13 of 27.

> Surely it was our sicknesses he bore and our pains he carried, yet we thought of him as stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; the discipline that secured our peace was laid on him, and by his wounds healing has come to us. ([Isaiah 53:4-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/53#4-5), Lumin Translation)

It can seem strange to read about suffering in Advent. But the Christmas story always pointed toward the cross. The baby in the manger came to carry something.

Isaiah describes a servant who bears our pains and is pierced for our wrongs. People looked at him and thought God was punishing him. He was carrying what was ours.

The first Christians read this chapter as a picture of Jesus ([Acts 8:32-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/8#32-35)). The manger and the cross belong to one story. Christmas is good news because of where it was going.

## Prayer

Jesus, you carried what was mine. Thank you for coming to be wounded for my healing. Help me see the cross behind the manger. Amen.

## A question to carry

What does it mean to you that Jesus came to suffer?

Read the whole chapter: [Isaiah 53](https://www.lumin.faith/read/isaiah/53)

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/advent/december-11