ADvent readings, Day 17 - Isaiah 12: 2-6

Isaiah 12: 2-6:  “Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.
    I trust, I won’t be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
    best of all, my salvation!”

Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water
    from the wells of salvation.
And as you do it, you’ll say,
    “Give thanks to God.
Call out his name.
    Ask him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done,
    spread the news of his great reputation!

“Sing praise-songs to God. He’s done it all!
    Let the whole earth know what he’s done!
Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion!
    The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.”

The prophet Isaiah offers a clear call to celebrate the joy of God's gift of salvation and to sing praises to God for that gift.  When we purchase gifts for loved ones, friends, and people with whom we work, in a sense we give value to those relationships.  Not an exact worth, but we often spend more on those with whom we are more connected.  Likewise, when we are the recipient of a gift, we recognize and appreciate the value someone has given to us (it may not be monetary; in gift giving the thought sometimes does count!).  Imagine how much God must care for us to offer us the gift of salvation.   how grateful are you to God for that amazing gift?  Are you ready to "raise the roof?"