Cleansing....then shelter

Isaiah 4: 2 - 6

It will be a shelter and shade...a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

The readings during Advent, especially from the prophets are beautiful reminders of what is coming and what our waiting is all about. Some of the things the Lord proclaims through his prophet may have been partially fulfilled but there is always more to come: we wait as the people of God for the ultimate fulfilment with the coming of our Lord, at the end of time.

Isaiah voices the Lord's Word about his desire to cleanse and protect. It is comforting to hear about the shade and refuge that is to come. But at the same time, there is the cleansing that comes first. This is actuallly not something that can be glossed over........it may not be 'comfortable' to be cleansed by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of fire, which, I would think speaks of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the one who came upon the first Christians as tongues of fire; who is called the Spirit of Truth, even as he is the Comforter and Counselor. Advent is not just a sweet time of Christmas preparations, singing carols, baking, cooking and planning get togethers. It is a time to renew our faith. This liturgical season comes along every year to remind us that we can fall into routines (even religious ones) that become bland with time. Advent may not be comfortable when we ask the Lord to cleanse and examine our lives.

It is only after the cleansing that the Lord comes as a comforting shade and refuge from the heat, rain and storms. This image is a truly restful and consoling one. I see this as the promise to all those who willingly submit to the Lord, willing to be cleansed, even by fire. It is not cheap grace. Purifying precious metals is a long process, just as purifying our hearts will be.

On this first Monday of Advent, I would like to commit myself to being more open to God as I allow him to 'search me and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there is any hurtful way in me....in order to lead me in the way everlasting".