Read Isaiah 40:1-11.
This Isaiah text is one that flows around me during Advent. Just seeing the citation brings the old hymn to mind, and I am sure the text really reads “Comfort, comfort ye my people!” When things are hard, as they’re bound to be, when staying awake means always being a little heartbroken with the world it’s comforting to have familiar words to twist around you like the waters of baptism.
Pray
God of peace, you gave us the words that soothe our souls. You also gave us a challenge to pay attention to the injustices in the world. Help us to be active agents of peace, and bring your love and justice to our communities. Amen.
Rev. Rachel Paige Mastin Minister for Inter-Generational Faith Formation, First Presbyterian Church (New Haven, CT)