December 16
Stephanie Verrengia, Nursery Coordinator
Growing up in Massachusetts, winters are long! Those of us who have been here long enough know the agony of waiting for winter to break, the snow to start melting, and for the first signs of spring. The crocus is the first flower of spring here in New England, a sign of new life after waiting through the long, dark, and cold winter.
The first crocus of spring is a hopeful sign of longer, brighter, and warmer days for us but the crocus in Isaiah 35:1 is a hopeful sign of the coming Savior, Jesus. Jesus is the flower blossoming out of darkness and bringing us joy and light. He is the hope that we must wait upon to come and renew this creation.
During this time of Advent, we are amidst a pandemic, and uncertainty and fear are running deep within us, but we must have hope, for it says, “Be strong; fear not! Behold your God will come with vengeance with the recompense of God. He will come to save you!” Isaiah 35: 4. God has the great capacity to control this world and all that occurs within it. Yet, He also longs for a deep personal relationship with us. God will come to save us, and we must sit and wait in joyful hope for Him to come again and bring renewal.
How is your faith? Are you struggling for hope during this time? Are you looking to God for a personal relationship? Fear not, for Isaiah states, “Then the ears of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” (Isaiah 35:5) God will help us through this struggle of faith by renewing our spirit. Let us walk with God, stand firm and unwavering, and wait in joyful hope.