"'Fear not, I will help you' says the Lord" Isaiah 41.14

I can hardly believe that Advent is nearly half over already. In this season of preparation for the coming of Christ into the world, I feel utterly unprepared to welcome Jesus. It seems as if there are thousands of things pulling me away from opening my heart to God’s call. I am constantly distracted with wrapping up the end of the semester at school and often ignore my spiritual growth and development. I keep telling myself that I will have more time soon, but even when I have a spare moment, I find other seemingly more important or necessary tasks to busy myself. I get caught up in the commercialism of the Christmas season and sometimes forget that I am supposed to be anticipating the birth of Jesus in Advent. Today’s readings serve as a reminder that God is committed to me, and I need to praise and worship the Lord in return.

This first reading from Isaiah today emphasizes all the wonderful things God can do in nature that show the amazing power and devotion of God to the people Israel. This reading shows the steadfastness of God when it comes to faithful followers. The Lord always works to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven, even if the sequence of events does not seem to be beneficial to all people. As Isaiah says, there is no reason to fear because the Lord will help us. Even though the outlook may seem bleak, God holds the fate of the faithful in capable hands. As we say in the Psalm today, “The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.” In these times of distress and turmoil, the readings for today give a good reminder of the grace and power of God that serve as a beacon of hope for all.