“Comfort, Comfort Now My People,” LBW 29
Devotion
Handel’s Messiah begins with the tenor solo, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” These words from Isaiah 40 proclaim a new day for the people of God. The Lord is coming to rescue his people!
The hymn “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” was written 400 years ago, and still we sing it. The word “comfort” means “to make strong.” “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees,” Isaiah proclaimed (35:3). We are made strong through God’s pardon. The warfare of the Spirit within us is over. The Lord reigns.
This is the message into which we immerse ourselves and share with each other in the congregation. This is also the message we give to the world. Who will hear us? The Spirit will open people’s hearts if we tell the story.
Prayer
Gracious God, your word of pardon strengthens us in faith toward you and gives us courage to live. Let your comfort rule in our hearts as we prepare to celebrate your coming in the human flesh of Christ our Lord. Amen.