Every November I revisit the Book of Isaiah. It is beautifully written prose and poetry that refers to the coming Messiah. It is frequently referenced in the New Testament, particularly as it relates to Jesus. Many of the phrases are familiar to us because they are read at Christmas. Let the words encourage you this Christmas.
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (11:1-3)
A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. . . the redeemed will walk there, And the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away. (35:8, 10)
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. (53:11)
“Comfort, o comfort my people,” says your God. . . A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God”. . . Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (40:1, 3, 5, 28-31)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. . . (43:1-2)
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (40:31)
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! . . . See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, for he has glorified you. (55:1, 5)
“LORD, comfort us with these words.” Amen
Mindi Oaten’s painting “Perfect Truth” is from God’s Garden of Grace collection.
https://www.mindioaten.com/blogs/mindi-oaten-art-blog