Christmas is a time for singing songs and carols. Isaiah 12 is a song. Isaiah sings the song of salvation. The big picture message of Isaiah is of judgment and redemption. Though God's judgment comes, God redeems. God restores His sinful people to a right relationship with Him. Isaiah proclaims the story of God's salvation in a song.
Isaiah invites us to come sing the song. But, perhaps your days are filled with so much noise the song is stifled. The hectic schedule begun each day by the alarm clock's piercing shrill is too busy for singing. Calendar squares penciled in with things to do, places to be, and people to see, make time too scarce for God. A cell phone carried at all times and connected with work and home responsibilities leaves you stretched to the limit.
The song is stifled in a noisy world that's "saved" by science and "delivered" by technology. The song is hushed in a noisy world of choices where we often feel we're without a choice. So much is out of our control. The song seems far away. Christmas carols and songs are nice, but you may wonder, "Is the song for me? Is God really paying attention to me?"
Amidst the racket, Isaiah's message sings to your noisy world. It sounds forth in the moving hymns of Christmas we sing every year. The song creates and awakens a faith that quiets the noise. Faith invites us to come sing the song. The song sings forgiveness for our sins. The song tells us our relationship with God is restored. In Christ, God has turned His anger away that He might comfort you and me. Our sins are forgiven. Come and sing the song of salvation!
THE PRAYER: Thank you, gracious Father, for though You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, that You might comfort me, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Written by Pastor Kevin Fenster
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Sandy, Oregon
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