Isaiah 35:5-10

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” vs. 10

The captives in Babylon had been away from Jerusalem for years, but they never stopped dreaming of home. Isaiah fueled their dreams with his images of a great and glorious return. It would be a day of singing and gladness and hearts would be filled with joy. To some extent the faith of God’s people has always been shaped by our vision of the future…it’s like an extra chromosome in our DNA, and it gives us definition. Whenever there has been exile, suffering, persecution, alienation…we find strength in the sure and certain conviction that one day there will be a homecoming, and all the sorrow and sighing will be at an end. Often that certainty has been reflected in our songs and hymns even when there isn’t a hint that our return is at hand. The anticipation alone is enough to lift hearts and bring joyful smiles to our faces. We’ll be seeing that joy throughout Advent as we hear the carolers and join in congregational singing. Even when things are going poorly a song like “Joy to the World” can lift our mood and bring gladness to the gathered community.

Thought for the Day: What song always fills me with hope and joy?