Comfort, O Comfort My People
This meditation is based on a passage for January 9, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).
Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
Reflection and Question: Isaiah’s words in this passage are the Scriptural source for one of my favorite hymns that is traditionally sung in Advent. It was difficult for me to choose one rendition on YouTube but here is one and you can sample the others. I did not learn this hymn in my youth. I first heard this hymn in worship in seminary and I especially love the way the music rises with the valleys and bows down with the hills in the second verse. This ancient poetry is alive with hope and trust in the goodness of God. What part of this text comforts you most?
Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits God’s holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord Now o’er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token That God’s word is never broken.
(Comfort, Comfort You My People, The Presbyterian Hymnal, p. 3)
