12 Days of Advent in Art: #9 Tenderness

"Comfort, Speak Tenderly," (Grandma Winters with me asleep), 6 x 9 original watercolor.

Comfort, comfort my people,
    says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double...

I cannot think of the word "comfort" without thinking of my long-departed grandmother, who was the very essence of comfort and tenderness...and also somehow embodied all things Christmas, including all the love and tenderness wrapped up in the birth of the Christ child. I love this New International Version of Isaiah specifically because it says, "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem"...and to us. If God cherishes us the way my grandma did, then I cannot think of a better place to yearn for, a better voice to listen for.

I have seen so many tender mercies and loving kindnesses from the Lord this year alone, it's impossible for me to doubt his love for me, and his loving guidance in every detail of our lives. I am in awe of his ability to comfort and care for us...even from afar.