This year at Trinity Lutheran Church, Nampa our Midweek Advent series is based on the hymn Canticle of the Turning, based on Mary’s Magnificat.  This week we heard from Isaiah Chapter 40:

“A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'” (Isaiah 40:3)

We asked members of the assembly to share voices they hear crying out.  People interpreted the question differently but the answers were wonderful to read.  Here is a sampling of responses:

Voices of the lonely, who feel isolated

Women who have been sexually abused

Refugees who need a new place to call home

Black Lives Matter

#MeToo

“dreamers”

The Native Americans throughout the United States crying out to care of the earth

The women who have been brave enough to bring powerful males to be accountable for their actions

Women who have experienced harassment

Those without adequate food or fresh water

Those in war-torn areas

Those suffering from natural disasters

Those who have been treated unfairly

The newest generation of “Green” voices calling for us all to live simpler and sustainable lives, in reverence of the earth and its creator

We hear too many voices—so we need to pray for discernment to listen to those which speak truth and challenge us to live out God’s love in our words and deeds

The church active in the local community

Those in poverty

Those being persecuted

War-torn countries

Oppressed People

Warnings about climate change

Black Lives Matter

Political Prisoners

Mentally Ill

Children