Some of us grew up fearing that we might get coal in our stockings on Christmas morning. We may grow up fearing coal or seeing coal as a bad thing. Later on, we learn coal is an important fossil fuel with good benefits, such as heat and power. In today's Scripture, we see Isaiah in the presence of God, feeling unclean and unworthy. Like Isaiah, we cannot make ourselves clean. Isaiah's lips are made clean with one touch of a burning coal, which takes away his guilt and atones for his sins. We need Jesus to touch us with coal to make us clean and pure today.

Pastor David Moerbe shares this week's message from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, Ala.