Hope in the Desert

There is hope in the desert
the long suffering of the people of God
hope in the promise of rain, of reconciliation
of being back on the path to Zion
back in union with God
Even in the midst of winter, there is hope
in the coming of the Christ-child,
the shoot of Jesse, made king once more
the king in the manger, warm in the stable straw
the swaddling clothing, foretelling his burial;
but hope in the death and resurrection
fulfilling all the law, all the prophets
our hope in thee alone, Lord Jesus
hope in the grace of God
Like the Christmas cactus,
bearing flower in the dead of winter
we are reminded each Advent
of the hope in the desert
the shoot bearing life,
bearing witness
to our salvation
for the promises fulfilled
the promises kept
by God alone

December 10, 2007
Isaiah 35:1-10