Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 61:10-62:3 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Verse 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Chapter 62For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. Verse 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. Verse 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Devotion
Because of Christmas, Abraham, the wanderer, is not the only one with a new name; we all have new names. Because of Christmas, the descendants of David are not the only ones with great beauty; we are all clothed with the "jewels" of righteousness. Because of Christmas, each one of us is invited into the heavenly choir, joining with all of creation to proclaim,"The Lord has come! The Lord has come indeed!"
Prayer
Lord God, you have broken into our drab old world. We rejoice with acts of mercy and works of righteousness, the best, most splendid welcome for our King. Amen.