ISAIAH 35

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
   The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
   and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
   as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
   the splendor of our God.

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
   and encourage those who have weak knees.

Say to those with fearful hearts,
   “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
   He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
   and unplug the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer,
   and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
   and streams will water the wasteland.

The parched ground will become a pool,
   and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.

Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
   where desert jackals once lived.

And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
   It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
   It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
   fools will never walk there.

Lions will not lurk along its course,
   nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
   Only the redeemed will walk on it.

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
   They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,
   crowned with everlasting joy.—-

Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
   and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

PRAY:

Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen