Isaiah 35:1–10 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 35:1–10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 35The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus Verse 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Verse 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Verse 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
Verse 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; Verse 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; Verse 7the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. Verse 8A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. Verse 9No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. Verse 10And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Devotion
As the lectionary readings for the third week of Advent begin, we return to the prophet Isaiah, who offers poetic and hopeful words to a weary and exiled people. Isaiah speaks of a future shaped by restoration—where even the barren desert bursts into life. He uses the imagery of creation to proclaim the hopeful promise of the coming Messiah.
Whether in a desert climate or in colder regions, parched or frozen, Isaiah reminds us of God’s already unfolding work of renewal, beauty, and peace: “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.” (Isaiah 35:4)
Take time today to notice the quiet signs of God’s presence. Whether in nature, in others, or within your own heart, these glimpses remind us: God is still at work, restoring, renewing, and redeeming all things—even in the wilderness.
Prayer
God of snow and rain, you give us seasons and weather that are reminders of your work in this world. Show us, today, your work in our lives through your creation. Amen.
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