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Isaiah 35:1-2 (Common English Bible)
1 The desert and the dry land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.
2 They will burst into bloom, and rejoice with joy and singing.
They will receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the Lord’s glory, the splendor of our God.
Summary:
Advent means “preparation.” Every Sunday before Christmas, we light a candle to prepare for the birth of Jesus & anticipate Christ’s coming. Through our Advent Worship Series, “Are We There Yet?,” we focus on how we arrive at Christ’s peace, hope, joy & love.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a day when a land that is dry and deserted will be glad and a wilderness with have joy. In the season, many of us have been waiting to experience true joy for a very long time. The Advent season responds us to continue to prepare for a breakthrough with joy. When we bring joy on our journey, we arrive at God’s joy in the final destination.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about joy?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?