During the season of Advent, our Sunday readings give us the prophet Isaiah, an amazing source of comfort and expectation. While the early chapters of Isaiah’s writings deliver frightful messages, Chapter 40 begins with pictures of the promise to unfold. “Comfort, comfort my people,’ says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sins are pardoned…the wilderness and the dry land shall be glad…the desert shall rejoice and blossom…there will be streams in the desert…and the thirsty ground springs of water…sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Can’t you see the picture of such joy and gladness?

As Isaiah paints this beautiful picture, I can’t help remembering last year when hurricane recovery was in full force—so much destruction and sadness in a time when we were meant to have joy. Yet, Isaiah did say…hope springs forth in the wilderness… and beauty will once again be restored.

And about joy…the two eagles that chose to build a nest in a tree behind our property last year have returned, and perhaps another of God’s miracles of nature will occur.

Isaiah’s beautiful, prophetic pictures tell us the disappointments of the earth will never take away what the Lord has in store for his people. God will not be thwarted when earthly trials attempt to erase the promises. And when we are privileged to witness nature’s glory, it’s a precious reminder…there will be streams in the desert…the crocus will grow in the dry ground… Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.