Isaiah 61:10-62:3 The reading from the Hebrew Bible today comes from the final section of Isaiah, generally referred to as Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66), and is marked by Israel’s return to Palestine after a long time in exile. Salvation, hope and transformation are key themes in this passage. The metaphors move from what more concretely…

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 This passage is made up of two poetic tracts written about Israel’s deliverance from exile. As a “finale” in the body of Isaiah’s prophecies, it focuses on Israel’s ultimate redemption and restoration as a nation that will once again stand “before all nations.” The first part of the passage speaks to the salvation…

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 The writings of the prophet Isaiah are some of the most prominent as we walk through the teachings of Advent and Christmas, and today’s lectionary cycle begins with an outburst of hope and salvation – not a bad beginning for our worship on this first day of the Christmas season. In these words,…