Luke Pearson

Dear Friends,

“Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away!” This opening line in today’s reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah reminds me of the famous first and last verses of “This Land is Your Land”, by Woody Guthrie. The lyrics are as follows:

“This land is your land and this land is my land 

From California to the New York Island

From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters

This land was made for your and me…

When the sun come shining, then I was strolling 

And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling

The Voice come a-chanting and the fog was lifting 

This land was made for you and me”

Over these past few years, this country has faced numerous forms of rolling dust clouds. We have battled a global pandemic. We are still plagued by arrant forms of social, economic, and racial injustices across this nation. We have doubt, and at times even fear. There have been moments where some of us may have asked, “Where is God in all of this? What is God’s plan in casting out the darkness and unifying all Americans from sea to shining sea?

In the Old Testament reading for today, the nation of Israelites are faced with their own challenges. They have been defeated and taken as prisoners to Babylon. Their temples have been destroyed, and many have lost hope that God will deliver them out of their suffering.

However, Isaiah casts away all doubt as he yells for Israel’s attention. He proclaims that God’s love will prevail, and that he will send a hidden servant “in whom I will be glorified.” This servant will not appear with armies at his side or ships at his command. Instead, this servant of the Lord will appear as a small infant in his mother’s womb. God will know him by name, and since God knows all of us by name, the Lord will deliver us through this miraculous servant. The Prophet’s voice lifts up the fog of pain or sorrow that clouds the hearts of Israel.

There is a resounding hope that is personified from both these lyrics and this reading. This Sunday, we entered into the beautiful season of Advent. The name of the season derives from the Latin word for “coming”. Over the course of these next weeks we await the coming of our servants Nativity. The prolific words of Isaiah came true! From every coast of this nation we as God’s children are reminded God has a plan for us. God will be present with us during any confusion or chaotic circumstance. We are delivered not by powerful armies or executive powers, but by the love of a small baby tucked away in the deserts of Bethlehem.

Pay attention my friends, for the good news is coming. Look up and you will see God's light shining as a celestial sun over wheat fields. You may even see a bright star shining over a tiny manger. When you are witness to God’s glory keep hope and stroll down the path God gave you. For God came down to earth out of love for you and me.

Best,

Luke