5 December 2021

For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low
and the valleys filled up, to make level ground,
so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God.
The woods and every fragrant tree
have shaded Israel at God’s command.
For God will lead Israel with joy,
in the light of his glory,
with the mercy and righteousness that come from him.

From Baruch 5:1-9, NRSV

We may recognise the words of Baruch’s prophecy about the lowering of mountains and the filling up of valleys from John the Baptist’s prophecy of the coming Messiah. When Baruch made his prophecy, he was looking forward to the time when the people of Israel would return to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon. He foretold that God would make this a safe and easy journey for a people weakened and bowed down by their experience as slaves. Those in Jerusalem would see a people who left in sorrow returning in joy.

• • What do these words tell us of God’s care for his people?
  • When have you felt God’s power removing the obstacles that lay in your way?

On this second Sunday in Advent, reflect on the the ways in which you are called to “prepare the way of the Lord.”