First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Theme: Loving God of might, liberating God of right
Exegetical Note
In this beginning of the prophecies of Second Isaiah, the writer anticipates - in comforting, tender, yet triumphal language - the mighty return of God to liberate his still exiled people from Babylon, to return them to their own land, and to reestablish the covenant with them.
Call to Worship
Leader: Let us prepare a path for God in the wilderness of our hearts!}
People: LET US CLEAR A HIGHWAY ACROSS THE DESERTS OF OUR SPIRITS!
Leader: Thus shall the glory of the Lord be revealed,
People: AND ALL HUMANKIND SHALL SEE IT! PRAISE GOD!
Collect
O God of power and might, who have entered into history in dramatic ways to free your people, invade our age anew to set free all who are enslaved and o…