Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014  

Isaiah 35: 1 – 10

It is Christmas Eve, the day and night when our anticipation and longing come to a climax.  It is not unlike the moments before any birth to any family – the waiting even for one more moment seems excruciating, yet there is mixed in with the hopefulness a niggling – will everything be all right?

This song in Isaiah answers the longing and the niggling.  The most unexpected happens – God does indeed do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine!  The poet paints pictures of what would seem impossible for his listeners/readers:  wilderness and desert will become lush, physical losses are reversed.  Not only that, but the physical world will rejoice and sing joyously as if they were human! All because “God’s resplendent glory [is] fully on display. God awesome, God majestic.” (The Message, v. 2)

People, fearful and downtrodden are encouraged to take heart for God is right here (note the present tense rather than the future.)  He is “on his way to put things right.” (4) This renewal, restoration, re-creation is totally inclusive, none left out: “Even lowly jackals will have water to drink.” (7)

The highway, the Holy Road, will be safe and clear: “impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it.”(8) The poet sees those God has redeemed (I still hear the inclusion of all – including jackals and fools!) coming home to Him.  They/We will be “welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.”(10)

Let these images fill all our hearts and minds today and tonight as we await the celebration of tomorrow morning.

Blessings and a Joyous Christmas

Ann Kelland