Isaiah 62:1-4

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.  The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.  No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.

Reflection

This section of Isaiah belongs to the section that is often referred to as Trito-Isaiah or Third Isaiah. The context of this section points to a post-exilic period when there is the restoration of the Israelite nation. The genre of this chapter is poetic in form and God pledges that He will not rest until the salvation of Israel is complete. Our God is the God of love who delights in the salvation of His people. He does not give up and leaves the devil to torment His people. His steadfast love endures forever. In the text we read the promise of God of the rebirth of the mighty nation of Israel and the metaphors of the changing of names from negative ones to positive ones is a clear indication of the change of fortunes for Israel. Instead of being called deserted or desolate, Israel will be called Hephzibah, meaning beloved one, and Beulah meaning beautiful. These are positive marriage metaphors and God will again be married to her bride-Israel. We are all Israel by our baptism in Christ and God will not give up on our redemption until the devil is put under his feat. Christmas is such a story of God´s dedication to the salvation of his people. Let us continue to remain faithful to the loving God who gave up the heavenly realm for the sake of redeeming us. May the almighty God bless us all.      

Let Us Pray

ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.