Lift Up Your Heart – And Voice

December 9 Tuesday the Second Week

ISAIAH 40:1-11; MATTHEW 18:12-14

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

Advent is a waiting time. What are you waiting for?

Isaiah says we are waiting for “comfort” when the  “glory of the LORD shall be revealed.”

He tells us: “Cry out at the top of your voice. Fear not to cry out, ‘Here is your God! The Lord our God comes with power.’”

We are charged as heralds of the Gospel to “announce his salvation, day after day.” To “say to all nations: ‘The LORD is king.’” They should find “comfort” in that. Who wouldn’t?

We are the bearers of good news. To the whole world. Jesus said, “It is not the will of your heavenly Father” that a single person in the whole world should miss hearing it. Or that “even one of these little ones be lost.”

So what are you waiting for?

First make clear in your speech and demeanor that you are looking to the future. That you yourself find comfort – peace – in Christian hope.

Then “Fear not” to talk about it. It is more certain than the weather, football scores or election results, and people talk about those. What good is a voiceless herald? Light under a basket? Tasteless salt?

Pray (all day): 

“Lord, make me a herald of your peace."

Practice: 

Respond whenever anyone speaks pessimistically. 

Say there is Good News too.

Don’t be afraid to say what it is.