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
So often we enter this strange week with thoughts and emotions teetering between the afterglow of the Christmas celebration and anticipation of the beginning of a new year. But the prophet’s focus does not waver; it remains immersed in celebration—we imagine the rich garments, flowers, and bling of a wedding feast. Even the earth joins in the celebration, springing to life like the new growth of spring. And why such excitement? It’s all about the righteousness and praise that belong to the Lord’s salvation that is about to spring forth for all people.
And just think, for the prophet this is only anticipation of what the Lord will surely do. What might that mean for us who stand right now on the after side of Christmas—when we have been privileged to stand by the manger at the birth of our Savior and Lord! How could we not continue to celebrate this wondrous gift?!
Prayer
God of faithful promise, we have been privileged once again to marvel at your Word of promise fulfilled in the birth of a child in a manger. May the wonder of that gift continue to fill our hearts with trust in your promises for all your creation. Amen.