Stand in the light of peace

Isaiah 40:1–11 

Advent 2: Peace 

Holy One says to the prophet: 

Comfort, O comfort my people. 

Speak tenderly to them,

their suffering has had its time,

their pain will come to an end. 

The prophet cries out: 

In this wilderness, prepare the Way,

the Way of Holy One! 

Make ready, take heart, 

deep valleys will rise up,

steep mountains will lower down,

uneven roads will even out,

rough paths will smooth over! 

You will see again the Light

of Holy One – oh, the Light will shine again! 

People of Holy One, do not be like grass, that withers, 

do not be like flowers that fade, 

when you hear this word of the Divine: 

the Holy Word endures always – 

take heart and stand in its light! 

Go to the sacred places,

where you draw closer to Holy One;

open your eyes to see Them come,

turn your face to the sun! 

As rangers gather Koalas from burnt habitat,

bind their wounds,

give them leaves to eat,

shelter till their home is restored, 

so is Holy One caring for us,

steadfast, kind, source

of healing, source of peace: 

take heart, and stand in the light. 

Amen.