Thoughts for the Day

Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
Speak 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.

A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every 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.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’....

See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What images are conjured up by the word "Comfort"? Perhaps the times you have returned home after getting wet in a storm and after drying off snuggle up on the sofa before a roaring fire; or occasions when you have been hurt and get a comforting hug from a parent or partner; or cried in a loved one's arms at the news of the death of someone close; or even the warm mug off hot chocolate after being out in the snow? Of course there can be many things and many people who bring comfort, it rather depends on our situation and our need at the time.

Isaiah's words for us conjure up the coming of John the Baptist who calls the people to repent, and remind us that God comes to comfort His faithful people. There is almost an image of a mother speaking to a child, as God speaks gently to his rebellious people. He says "It's alright. I am here" to those who listen to Him. He speaks with tenderness to those who come to Him, and like a shepherd he gathers them as though they are lambs in His arms.

We should not however forget the images of God's strength in Isaiah's prophecy. He says God will come 'with might' which should encourage us to be reconciled before we are held in judgement. Each of us knowing our transgressions, has a choice - to ignore God's offer of peace and comfort, or accept it. Advent gives us a perfect moment to review our life, before we come to our Christmas celebrations. Perhaps we can start by confessing one thing we would like to change about ourselves, before accepting the comfort of God's assurance of absolution this day.

Heavenly Father,
this day I confess my sin of
......... (eg selfishness, or pride, or laziness, or ?).
Help me to stamp it out and put it under foot.
May I be aware of how this sin affects others,
and learn to be more open to their needs
rather than my own.
Give me the comfort of Your loving arms this day,
and the assurance of Your forgiveness.
Amen.