Isaiah 65:17-19

Isaiah 65:17-19
English Standard Version (ESV)

  If you're even a casual sports fan, you're familiar with the plight of the Boston Red Sox or the Chicago Cubs.  These baseball teams hadn't won championships for decades, often coming tantalizing close, breaking the hearts of their fans over and over again.  Fans questioned if they would see their team finally break through, and when each did eventually win a championship, it was national news -- the narrative had changed.  Now, when things get rough, they can look back with fondness on recent championship memories and be consoled. 
  The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is still at work -- even in the darkest of nights, the light is still shining, and the hope of redemption is still a real thing that people can cling to.  It will be centuries between Isaiah's words and the fulfillment of the prophecy, but the church and God's Kingdom will stand forever.  The joy that the Kingdom rests upon will overwhelm grief, and we can hope in our God and the power of the Kingdom. 
  This Advent season, look forward with hope, that the coming joy may fill your heart now, and when sorrow and sadness come, remember that they are temporary, and that one day, there will be only joy.