This week's advent reading comes to us once more with gratitude to Outreach and Rev. Mark Pendleton. It is shared in the hope that you may sense the Lord's loving presence and gentle leading in this special time of year.
Love and Light,
Ethan
Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand,
And His arm shall rule for Him;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
(Is. 40:10-11)
This treats of the Lord’s coming. The “flock that He
will feed as a shepherd” means those who live a
charitable life (i.e., a life of good will and good action).
The “lambs that He will gather into His arm” mean
those who have a love for Him.
(Swedenborg, Revelation Explained no. 314.2)
In today’s reading from Isaiah, the Lord is
pictured as a gentle, watchful, and strong shepherd. His love
is evident in the care of His sheep. He feeds them, gathers
them with His arm, carries them in His bosom, and gently
leads them. He also protects them from harm. Another one
of today’s readings likens this tender care to a parent’s love
for his or her children, who also need love, care, protection,
and guidance. What do all of these images call to mind for
you this Christmas?
