The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners…
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
-Isaiah 61:1-3
I have always loved Isaiah 61, but especially in light of the Advent season, this prophecy of the ministry of Jesus feels so powerful to me. I am so grateful for the good news that we celebrate each year during December, that we have a Rescuer who has come to bring us GOOD NEWS.
Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted, and that is what I’ve seen Him do over and over again in my life. December can often be a joyful and magical time of year, but my goodness, it can be hard as well. Whether it’s another year of longings unmet or it reminds you of people in your life who have passed and are no longer with you, December can feel lonely and bleak to many of us.
So I LOVE that coming into all of our broken heartedness is Jesus, who binds us up, who frees us, who gives us a reason to sing and to hope. Thank you God, for sending your Son to rescue and restore us. Thank you for loving us enough to not leave us as we are, and thank you for the comfort You bring to us that no matter what we are facing, we are NEVER alone.
