My favorite, most meaningful tradition at Christmas is attending a performance of Handel’s Messiah. His songs come straight from God’s Word and they speak straight to my heart. I’ve chosen one of the songs ‘Comfort Ye Jerusalem” from Isaiah 40:1-5 and written the briefest of reflections on it.
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”
-Isaiah 40:1
I don’t know what your year has been like, but I have faced some dry places – places where my own strength has run out and my circumstances have been bigger than my resources to meet them. I am awed that the God of the universe sees me – and my desperate need – and He offers me just what I need most – comfort – for my Here and Now. A glimmer of hope.
“Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”
– Isaiah 40:2
“Her warfare is accomplished, ..her iniquity is pardoned”. It is finished. He has accomplished it.
He doesn’t leave us alone in our battles – He fights for us – “”The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me (Ps 138:8 ).
You and I face battles at so many levels – internationally wars loom, nationally – divisions, unrest, inequities and injustice reign, and, personally, you and I face our own giants – things like fear, heart-aches, health struggles, you name your battle.
And through it all God acts – God works – to free us from our captivities and struggles, just as He freed the Israelite’s during Isaiah’s time. Our warfare is accomplished for us, at all levels, through God’s mighty hand and plan.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” – Isaiah 40:3
‘Prepare ye.’ Get ready. He’s coming.
“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” -Isaiah 40:4
The valleys in our lives – the rough and troubled places – our mistakes, our mess ups, our crooked ways – will be made right – made straight – made whole and holy. God’s plan. Truly, good news!
“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” – Isaiah 40:5
Glory! God’s glory will be revealed to everyone. What He has promised that He will do. He hasn’t left us alone. He’s coming down to earth. His presence – the answer. His glory – the plan.
Good tidings. Great joy.
“Behold the Lord God will come..”
Isaiah 40:11
May you experience God’s comfort and peace this Christmas and may you behold His coming in a fresh way. Merry Christmas, friends!
Linking up with Holley’s LetsHaveCoffee
