Sunday, November 27, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Isaiah 40:1–11

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. (NRSV)

Reflection

I have always loved the season of Advent. It is a time of rituals, love, preparation, and both the patience and excitement of waiting for Christ to be born. When I was growing up, our church always had an Advent workshop on the First Sunday of Advent, where we would gather together to make ornaments, decorate the Christmas trees, and celebrate the season. It was one of my most favorite Sundays of the year, and I always looked forward to it.

I have also always found the season of Advent to be comforting. I find comfort in traditions, in family, in music, in the lighting of the Advent candles each week, and even in simply sitting by the Christmas tree with my dog curled up next to me. On the flip side, this season can also be stressful for a variety of reasons. We often get tied up in a busy schedule filled with parties, school programs, overwhelming preparation, and traveling.

Isaiah speaks of comfort that is coming. Despite mistakes that Judah had made, God brings words of comfort, a promise of love, help, and hope for the future. It had been a tough run for Judah, and I’m sure it was hard to feel hope for the future. I feel like we are in a similar boat these days, dealing with a pandemic, a war in Ukraine, a divided nation, poverty, and the list goes on. Despite this, God promises to be with us and be a comfort to us, even when we are faced with great adversity.

As we enter into the season of Advent, we will have moments of comfort and moments of overwhelm. Remember, God is present with us, surrounding us with comfort, love, and grace. Let us look forward to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Comforting God, thank you for your presence and love as I enter into the season of Advent. Help me to focus on you, show your love to others, and do my best to prepare for the birth of our Savior. Amen.

Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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