Today’s Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5
40 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 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.
3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Happy Tuesday Bible Journal family,
December 1st, 2020. Our last month of this very different year! Let’s continue our daily journey through Advent and the promises found in Isaiah that point to the celebration of the birth of our Lord. In verses 1-2 written by Isaiah, it provides us a promise of hope and comfort in a time of unease. How are you feeling today? Anything have you uneasy this morning? I know I could share a few things if you had time. But instead of letting these feelings grab hold of me and pull me under I can find some timely rest in the assurance of our Lord who promises hope, joy, peace, and comfort while already paying the price for all our sins. Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
In twenty-five days, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord through Christmas. We can celebrate today and every day to come the victory has already been won through His life, death, and resurrection. Our comfort can be found in the words spoken to Israel and us. He reminds us “comfort, comfort, my people“.
Isaiah 40:3-5 provides us with a visual and a reminder about preparing a way in our lives it’s the holiday season to focus on the greatness of our Lord. We are not alone right now or ever. Does it feel like you are metaphorically walking around a desert (even though today’s weather by me would feel like a tundra), are you in a valley seeking to try to peek over a horizon? Possibly you are standing on the top of a mountain now wondering how will I ever get down? Or maybe just this year has felt like you have been traveling down a rough path. Take a deep breath. Take time to read through these promises we are finding every day in His words. Promises that say that even in 2020 God has us. That we have traveled some roads during this time and made many mistakes. This advent can be a reminder that Jesus came to this world born in human form to live a life for an example of us, but also died for us to live and one day be again with Him in His presence. This advent more than ever before can provide hope and comfort that our Lord is right by your side every on every rough path, valley, or mountain saying prepare the way. I’m coming back one day for you! What obstacles are standing in your way? Don’t try to face them with our own pride. As children of God, we must prepare a way for Him. What an opportunity we have to show others our love, hope, and trust in Him this advent season. Proclaim the coming of our Lord this start of advent! Have a blessed day.
Dear Lord,
We are all in need of comfort. We know that our only true comfort comes from you. As we live out each day in this Advent season help us to recognize and praise you for the love and sacrifice you made for us. We love you and pray for us each to draw closer to you and the comfort of your love for us. Amen
Enjoy this song on this brisk morning.