On this Second Sunday of Advent we hear words from the prophet Isaiah that are used to illustrate the presence and ministry of John the Baptist. It is imagery of royal road construction for the arrival of someone very important. Some of the verbs are imperatives: prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Some of the verbs are in the passive voice: every valley shall be filled, every mountain shall be made low.
The imperative verbs are to be our doing, our efforts, our work, in making relationships right with God and others. The verbs in the passive voice indicate God’s work with us through divine compassion, mercy, healing, and restoration.
Advent is a time to appreciate more richly the arrival of this Someone very important. What are your good efforts and works in this Advent season? How do you experience God’s restoring and healing works?