The Return

The Return

Advent 2, Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8

Laments for exile flowed in psalm and tears,

but Babylon was home in passing years.

Prophetic vision urged them to go back,

but more than valleys faced them on that track.

The Baptist called the people to repent,

prepare the way for one whom God had sent.

So Christ as Suffering Servant walked his path:

a cross upon a hill was aftermath.

Now we are exiles who don’t even weep

for spirit that we’ve lost and ways too deep.

We’re urged to strive towards achievement’s peak,

but where’s the meaning worth our while to seek?

The way of Christ is lonely, rough and steep,

but word of vision stirs our half-drugged sleep.

	Barbara Messner 2 December 2020