Our word for December 16th is “recompense”, taken from the Isaiah 35 lesson for the 3rd Sunday of Advent: Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Isaiah 35 is a message of hope to the Hebrews exiled in Babylon. God will come and make it right, will judge all, will bring them home. During this season will sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” each Sunday. Verse one says: “O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here.” The message is one of God’s covenant promise to Israel and all God’s people, we are never ever exiled from God, those who are fearful, the prophet reminds them to be strong, God will come and save you.