Second Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 40:1-11             

Isaiah 40:1-11

Isaiah the prophet has always played prominently in the reading of Christians during Advent. Tagged as “The Fifth Gospel” by many, the faithful servant of the Lord from centuries before Jesus carries so clearly the proclamation of hope. Hope in God. Hope in God’s plan. Hope in God’s “final day.” It’s no accident that hope as well has attended the walk of Advent each year.

Throughout the Old Testament the picture of God as Shepherd-King is displayed. And a wondrous thing it is to, at one and the same time, know that God rules and that God cares. Truly cares for His flock.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead those that are with young.”

Isaiah 40:11

Earthly kings don’t seem to mix these traits well, let alone have them to begin with. Leading a flock includes care, nurture, discipline and a sense of “home.” All those and more are the direction in which the great prophet leads our thoughts throughout his great book. “Behold your God,” cries Isaiah. Behold, indeed. In God alone is our hope. Our thoughts should be on little else during this or any other season. Here he also reminds us that the world and all it contains is passing away like dry grass. But the Word of the Lord endures forever. Think much on the Lord this Advent. Find repose and ponder Isaiah 40. The hope gained there will never disappoint.