11 December 2022 3rd Sunday of Advent
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
From Isaiah 35:1-10, NRSV
On this Gaudete Sunday, when the church rejoices at the coming of Christ, we hear a reading that is full of joyful imagery. Isaiah points to how God will bless Zion and lead the people into joy and gladness. Isaiah gives a picture of abundant life with plentiful water, flowers of all kinds and an absence of fearful animals. At this time, the blind, lame and the dumb will be healed. Those hearing Isaiah’s prophecy would have been aware of the contrast between this journey and that of the Exodus when their forefathers suffered greatly in the desert. They will also have been aware of the great suffering of their people during their exile in Babylon. Now their time of suffering is over and God is coming to rescue his people and bring them healing and wholeness.
- How do you suppose Isaiah’s prophecy would have been received by the people who first heard it?
- What do Isaiah’s words offer to you?
Ask today for eyes to see and ears to hear the wonderful things that God brings to your life.
