Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 85:8-13
Luke 5:17-26
Continuing our journey through the Advent season, our hearts yearn for peace and are filled with hope. Isaiah reminds us of God’s promise: “The desert will bloom, the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will hear and the lame will leap for joy.” Here we have a vision of God’s redemption and a reminder that in the midst of barrenness, our lives can be transformed, filling us with that peace that only God can give.
The Psalmist echoes this longing for peace, proclaiming that “mercy and truth will meet and righteousness and peace will embrace.” He speaks of God’s forgiveness and the restoration of His people, assuring us that His salvation is near to those who fear Him.
In Luke, we encounter the powerful story of the paralyzed man who is healed by Jesus. The crowd witnessed a miracle that day, but they also experienced something deeper — the peace that Jesus brought to their troubled hearts. Just as Jesus spoke words of forgiveness and healing to the paralyzed man, He offers us that same peace that transcends physical and emotional limitations.
As we await the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us embrace His promise of deep, lasting and abiding peace. May we trust in God’s faithfulness and righteousness, allowing God’s love to fill our hearts. In the wilderness of our lives, may joy bloom, and may our souls find peace in God’s enduring love. Come, Lord Jesus!
Carolyn Madeley
