The prophet Isaiah’s prominence in the readings during Advent is one of the reasons this is my favorite time of year, and today’s first reading is an excellent example of why. Written like the manifesto of creation, we are told God’s credentials, reason for creating, and plan for humanity in the span of a handful of verses. The repetition of the phrase, “I am the LORD there is no other,” reminds us to set aside anything we may have raised to the status of God in our lives, putting things back in their proper priority, be it money, school, status, politics or entertainment. After all, Advent is a time of expectations and new beginnings, and if we are to begin the new liturgical year we should do so with meaningful reflection on what we are most driven by, while striving to align our drive with God’s, who commands: “Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down.”

In an age of climate change and human tragedy, we are reminded that God did not create the world to be a waste, but designed it to be lived in. As stewards of creation, we try to live as ethically as possible so that the world can continue to flourish. On a more personal note, we must remember that we too were made to flourish, and to live lives of service to one another, and not yield to the temptations of the wasteland by striving after wealth, power or domination.

As we approach with joy the final days of Advent and the feast of Christmas, let us take the time to slow down and wait in this time of waiting. In the waiting, we learn what motivates us, and can reinforce or reorient accordingly, for God says, “Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God, there is no other.”