In days when I feel weary and worn by struggles in my life, the problems of our communities, and the brokenness of the world, I find comfort in words from the prophet Isaiah quoted in this week’ gospel reading. A voice comes from out in the wilderness, which is a place of danger and trial, as well as a place away from daily life where we may just encounter God in life-altering ways. In cries to prepare for the coming of God, we hear hope for a new and different world. Transformation of the landscape also means that transformation is possible for our world, our neighborhoods, our families, and our own lives. God’s healing and new beginnings are coming.
This can be a weary time for everyone, especially on campus. Not only are we finding less daylight as nights grow longer and longer, there are final projects and papers to complete, final exams to prepare for. It has been a long semester with lots of work and everyone is eagerly looking forward to break and time away. The end of the semester is not quite the new beginning that is promised by the prophet and John the Baptist, but it does bring the sort of hope, new potential, and opening opportunities that give us the strength to move ahead in anticipation.
This week, remember that God is changing the world. God loves you and the whole of creation. God is committed to justice and transformation, and God will bring them about. Advent is a season steeped in God-given hope and the real potential for a world abounding in peace and new life.
Peace,
weekly prayer | Luke 3 sets the context of John in the wilderness