Isaiah 40:1-2
The moment most people remember from the ending of A Christmas Carol is Scrooge throwing open his bedroom window and calling jubilantly to a street urchin, learning that it is indeed Christmas Day. Often, they recall him tossing down coins so the boy can purchase the large goose in the butcher shop window for his loyal employee Bob Cratchitt and his family. Or perhaps they remember his encounter with the charity solicitors, to whom he makes a generous donation.
But the true final moment of the story is quieter and more profound: Scrooge, with great trepidation, visits his nephew Fred’s home for a Christmas party—an invitation he’s harshly declined in the past. To his surprise, Fred welcomes him with generous warmth. After a night of haunting nightmares, like shackles being unlocked, Scrooge’s moral debts have been forgiven.
Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
Isaiah 40:1-2
The Israelites have been banished to Babylon after centuries of unfaithfulness to God. But now that their punishment has been served, God comforts them, opens His ears to their cries, and exchanges all their penances for abundant forgiveness. He commands it, imploring them to release their own shame about their sins. Johann Olearius, a 17th-century Lutheran songwriter, echoes this in his hymn about this passage:
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.
The shame is a shadow and a burden—and it is relieved. The covenant is not broken. And in this season, we remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of that covenant. He was given to us to comfort us (John 14:18), to relieve us of our burdens (Matthew 11:28), and to bring peace (Romans 5:1). And that’s what the last line of the first stanza of the song promises: “And [Jerusalem’s] warfare now is over.”
Let’s take this time to let go of our failures and our shortcomings, knowing with certainty that we will be met with reassurance and solace. “In moments of turmoil, may I find a quiet place within myself. Let my mind be still and my heart be at peace, no matter the external circumstances.” (from Calm in Chaos)
Contributed by Christopher Verdery