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.
Isaiah 40:1-2
A thick blanket. Warm fuzzy socks. A steaming bowl of soup on a cold day. A hug. If someone asked me to name things that bring comfort, these are some of the things that would be on my list. They are some of the things that make me feel warm, protected, and peaceful.
Here in the Northern hemisphere, it seems as though the short, cold nights of the Advent season just cry out for things that bring comfort. Comfort defined as “a feeling of contented well-being, a satisfying or enjoyable experience.”
But there is another definition of comfort which is maybe more helpful as we contemplate God’s word to us through the prophet Isaiah: “Comfort: a strengthening aid; assistance, support; consolation in time of trouble or worry.”
God’s people are living in captivity. They are full of questions about God’s, ability, desire and willingness to deliver them.
God tells Isaiah to speak to God’s people in the midst of their discouragement- Comfort them! Encourage them! Be tender toward them and give them courage for the difficulties they are facing. Speak right to their hearts and assure them that my steadfast love endures forever.
We read God’s words through the prophet in this season when we prepare again for the birth of God into our lives in the person of Jesus. This silent, holy night birth will speak the same message as Isaiah spoke.
In this birth, and then in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God again offers comfort: strengthening aid, assistance, support. The assurance of steadfast love visible in Jesus.
Whatever questions, discouragements, challenges, you, your loved ones, are facing in this and every season, may you hear God’s Word made flesh and be comforted.
Steadfast God of love, thank you for your desire to wrap us up in the comfort you speak through your prophet, and in the birth of Jesus. Amen.
The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir is Director of Pastoral Care at The Hearth at Drexel and Artman.
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