In the reading from Isaiah, Israel hungrily awaits a Messiah. In words of comfort and tenderness, the great prophet tells Jerusalem that in spite of “her sins,” or maybe even because of them, God is coming in glory and will rule with power and a “strong arm,” with reward and recompense. The valleys will be filled, the mountains made low, the rough terrain made plain and he will care for his people. And tell your friends!
Certainly, in the historical context, Israel was looking for muscle, and not necessarily a Prince of Peace. So the fact that a strong and powerful God was coming to move mountains and to make the playing field even was not just good news, but great news; but, as it turns out, not the best way to manage expectations. It is no wonder that it was difficult for Jews to believe that a carpenter’s son from Nazareth, with a message of peace and love, was the tremendous ground force that was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.
Visitation East Coordinators have decided to recognize the following years for long time Associate Commitment (15, 20, 25, 30 and soon 35 years). So each year, those who have these anniversaries will be acknowledged. We want to offer Congratulations and thank the following Associates for their many years of Commitment to the CND Associate Relationship. In 2014, those with 30 years of Commitment are: Emma Avery of Larry’s River, NS; Edith Corbett of Fredericton, NB; Teresa Doiron of Halifax, NS; Martha Kennedy of Truro, NS. Anne Reynolds of Sydney, NS, has 25 years of Commitment. Twenty year recipients are: Theresa Dickson of Halifax, NS., and Josie Ritcey of Halifax, NS. Six Associates with 15 years of Commitment are from Summerside, PEI. They include: Irving and Lillian Arsenault, Doris Gerrard, Dorothy Hamill, M. Ann MacLellan, and Aldona O’Brien-Jollimore. Simone Cormier of Riverview, NB, also has 15 years of Commitment.
December 7th
“. . . make straight in the desert, a highway for our God…the uneven ground shall become level and the rough places a plain.” Is. 40: 3-5
There are so many inspiring themes for Advent but I imagine that most, if not all, of us can relate to the desire to make highways straight and levelling out uneven and rough places. This I believe also relates to the theme of Home-coming as suggested by Joyce Rupp in, “May I Have this Dance.” Being a home body myself I can relate to combining the theme of making straight a highway for our God and the sense of Advent being a time for coming home. In winter time especially we worry about external highways being straight and level so that we can reach home, wherever home is for us.