Isaiah 40:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 40Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Verse 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
Verse 3A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Verse 4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Verse 5Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Devotion
Jerusalem languished in lonely exile, depressed and despairing of catching God's ear. But then the prophet voice: a new word from God announcing that Jerusalem has paid her penalty, and the time of her freedom has come. God's glory is ready to break forth, putting shadows to flight, leading the people as once they were led in the wilderness by the cloud every day and the pillar of fire each night.
Prayer
O Advent Christ, be our bright cloud and column of fire to lead us in our journey towards God's end. Amen.