Advent 11th December

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 40:1-5

Readings

Psalm 23,
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9,
John 1:1

Reflection

 

These are the words that God wants to communicate to Jerusalem and the rest of Israel. This is a message from Him to ease the distress of His flock. Listen to His words: “Comfort, comfort my people…speak tenderly to Jerusalem…” I can almost hear the gentleness in His voice. These are soothing words. And the message just builds with hope and promise. Anticipation replaces hopelessness as there is a message from the desert to actually get ready! “Prepare the way for the Lord!” This is assurance to a fear-filled flock and growing confidence in a Shepherd who can be trusted. Well, how else will He bring comfort? The glory of the Lord is going to be revealed. How will this message reach the people? How will good tidings be brought to Jerusalem? It will be shouted out loud, “Here is your God!” Our God? Messiah? Really? Can this be true? The promise was fulfilled exactly as stated when, years later, a man named John was lead by God out of the wilderness with the exact message to prepare the way for the Lord. And with every breath his shout was “Messiah is coming! Messiah is coming!” They looked forward. We get to look back and, with humility and gratitude, remember that Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day. “O tidings of comfort and joy.” 

Prayer 

 

Lord by our words let your forgiveness be known.
Lord by our words might others seek you.
Lord by our words might others experience you.
Lord by our words might others receive your love.
Lord by our words bring your healing.
Amen.