Advent · Day 11 · Wednesday, December 9
Comfort, comfort
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak to Jerusalem’s heart and announce to her that her term of hard service is complete, that her guilt has been paid off, that she has received from Yahweh’s hand twice over for all her sins. A voice is calling out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of Yahweh; in the desert make a straight highway for our God.
For 39 chapters Isaiah has warned of judgment. Then chapter 40 opens with one word, said twice: comfort, comfort.
God tells his prophet to speak to Jerusalem’s heart. The hard time is over. Then a voice calls out to clear a road through the desert, because God himself is coming.
All four Gospels say John the Baptist was that voice, preparing the way for Jesus. Before Christmas there may be something to clear: a grudge, a habit, a worry you keep feeding. Comfort comes first. Then the road.
Pray
God of all comfort, speak to my heart today. Show me what to clear out of the way so I can make room for Jesus. Amen.
Carry it today
What needs clearing out of the way before Christmas?