Isaiah 55:2
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “You fill my heart.” As you breathe out say, “I find joy in your promise.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. – Isaiah 55:2
Reflect.
Last Sunday, we had the awesome opportunity to hear the Christmas story in a new way. Through songs, laughter, and joy, we told the incredible story of God’s love made known to us in Jesus Christ. That incredible event meant we didn’t hear a Biblical text or sermon in worship. Don’t worry, it was still an absolutely valid worship service.
The text we would have heard on that day came from the prophet Isaiah. The passage is so beautiful that I can’t resist discussing it with you this week even though we didn’t get to hear it in worship. As we’ve heard before, Isaiah writes in response to three different periods in the life of God’s people: the time before their exile, their time in exile, and their return. This chapter begins the section reflecting on life after the exile.
In exile, God’s people became completely detached from the land God promised them. Seventy years passed before they returned, so those who came back home had no familiarity with the land any more. They likely became accustomed to exile and saw the return to the land as more work and challenge than they wanted.
God still calls them home. God doesn’t just promise to satisfy their needs. God says that they will be so abundantly provided for that all people, no matter what, will have more than enough. God even encourages them to “delight… in rich food”. That sounds like a good reason to enjoy Christmas treats, right?
But nonetheless, God’s promise stands. Rather than working for that which will not satisfy – that is, living in a land that is not theirs and beyond the fulfillment of God’s promises – God calls them home. God alone will give them what they need and so much more.
We receive this invitation, too. At this time of year we’re invited to consider all that which pulls us from God’s promises, anything that feels like more burden than joy, all that stands between us and hearing the good news of the infant Jesus, and set it aside. Instead, we delight in the hope and love that our God provides for us, now and always.
Pray.
God, your Son is the greatest gift. Help me to hear the promises of his life and to move away from anything that does not give life. I celebrate your abundance for all people and rejoice in your many gifts. Amen.
Carry On.
This season can be a great time to talk about treasured food traditions. What do you remember? And better still, what do these foods call to mind for you? What people, places, and celebrations do they recall? How can you share in those memories this year?