for the display of His splendor

"For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations."
-Isaiah 61

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor.

This past year has been a hard one, and not just to our family. Our country, the world has shifted. Shifted priorities, shifted politically, shifted physically at times. Have you felt it too?

With the coming of the New Year, in conversations, and writings, I can almost hear an audible sigh of relief. We yearn to turn a new leaf, take the lessons and leave the pain. Trade mourning for comfort and beauty for ashes.

And our God can do that. The proclamation of Isaiah in these verses displays God as a healer, redeemer, creator and sender. What strength, what comfort, what peace can we find in those Truths.

Here's to a new year. To fresh new mornings, sunshine, the beauty of orchids, and the blessing of fellowship. Let's take up the crown of beauty for the display of His splendor.