CARRIED CLOSE TO HIS HEART

FAMOUS ADVENT SCRIPTURE

Handel’s Messiah

Prophecy of a future time-a better time

Filled with hopeful, encouraging language

“Speak tenderly”

Hard service has been completed

A PHRASE FROM THE LAST VERSE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION THIS YEAR

“Carries them close to his heart”

This brings to mind a hug

This brings to mind love

This brings to mind comfort

I BELIEVE WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE COMFORT THIS ADVENT SEASON

Covid/Corona Virus health issues

Mourning those lost

Concern for those fighting the disease

Concern we might catch the disease

Hope for a vaccine - still months away

Covid/Corona Virus economic impact

Lost jobs and businesses

Wondering if the Congress will pass a relief package

THIS TEXT IS ALL ABOUT COMFORTING GOD’S PEOPLE

Context of Isaiah as a whole

Our text is a prologue and overview for Isaiah 40-55, perhaps for the rest of the book

Book of Comfort - post exile, post judgment