The first Sunday of Advent 2020 I am preaching on Isaiah 52.1-12. At the center of the text is a verse familiar to many: "how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news...." The good news of that particular messenger is that Babylon had fallen and Cyrus had issued a decree that captive people, separated from their homes could return, and this was the Lord's doing. That was good news! As we maneuver through a season of a global pandemic, I pray we have other good news bearers who come speaking of a light at the end of this tunnel.
But before we read about the beautiful feet of the runner, there is a rousing call to the people of Zion - "Wake up, Wake up, O Zion. Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O Holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean and godless people will enter your gates no more." (52.1) To the people in Jerusalem, and to the diaspora, this speaks to the despair, depression, and dullness of life that had consumed 50 years of existence. It describes a people asleep to hope. It describes their shattered dreams and aspirations that led them to ignore their general welfare. There were no events that required beautiful clothes.
As I read this text in preparation, and thought about the condition of my soul in the season of this pandemic, I started to notice a pattern on the weekends. I have been slower to move and get things done, skipping showers, wearing the same ratty clothes. I've begun to wonder if the most spiritual and helpful act to do is the act of waking up, taking a shower, and putting on clean clothes? In carrying out these simple acts I can make a real statement of hope in the face of an incredible dullness.
So tomorrow, I'll wake up, take a shower, and put on clean clothes.
How are you taking a step of faith and hope?
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