Good Book Club Hears Hope for a Savior

As we journey through Advent and Christmas, the Good Book Club is taking up an important selection from the Old Testament to help us prepare for the Messiah’s coming. It’s a portion of the book of Isaiah—chapters 40-55, known as “Second Isaiah.” For the people of Israel and Judah, their lives had been turned upside down. Invading armies had occupied their land and exiled them to foreign nations—some to Assyria, some to Babylonia. Back in that day, people understood gods to be in control of certain lands; so, if you were no longer in Israel or Judah, how could you be sure Yahweh would be there with you in a place where people worshiped other gods? And if Yahweh wasn’t with you, what was your hope for the future? “Second Isaiah” was written for these exiles, people who needed to know God With Us. These chapters offer words of comfort, assuring the people that Yahweh is indeed with them, even in exile, and that their wilderness time won’t last forever. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.