Relevance

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 

Strengthen the hands that are feeble; make firm the knees that are weak. Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared. Then will the lame leap like a stag; then the tongue of the mute will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water.

The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus. A highway will be there, called the holy way. No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it. No lion will be there, nor beast of prey go up to be met upon it.

It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness; sorrow and mourning will flee. (Isaiah 35:1-10)

Isaiah was quite graphic and compelling.  That which he said centuries ago in faraway lands is just as relevant today with us as his audience.  We must strengthen our feeble hands; make firm our weak knees; and say to those among us whose hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not!  

This Advent we must help the helpless escape the fools, “jackals” and other “beasts of prey” using highways we pave with hope, love, understanding, and compassion.  Too many people cannot find their way out of “burning sands” and “thirsty ground.”  They are victims of deceit and corruption.  

We can provide the pools and springs of water, especially to those in our families who struggle with Christmas and the death of loved ones who they dearly miss. It is up to us to help those who are struggling find joy and gladness and flee from their sorrow and mourning.  This is part of our preparation for the Christmas season and the coming of the Lord.

Deacon David Pierce