Isaiah 40:4-11

4Raise up every valley, and bring down every mountain and hill. The rough ground and the ground that has rocks will become flat.

5Then the great glory of the Lord will appear! All people will see it at the same time. The Lord himself has promised this.’

6A voice is saying, ‘Shout!’ But I say, ‘What should I shout?’ ‘Shout that all people are like grass. Their promises are like the flowers in a field.

7Grass quickly dies, and flowers fall to the ground. The Lord causes this to happen, when he sends a wind to blow on them. It is true. People are like grass.

8Grass quickly dies, and flowers fall to the ground. But God's promise will be true for ever.’

9Zion, you have good news to tell to people! So go up onto a high mountain. Yes, Jerusalem, shout the good news! Shout aloud, and do not be afraid. Say to the towns in Judah, ‘Here is your God!’

10Look! The Almighty Lord is coming with power. He will use his great strength to rule the people. Look again! He is bringing his gifts with him. He brings the prize that he has won in battle.

11He takes care of his people, like a shepherd who takes care of his sheep. He picks up the young lambs and he carries them near to his heart. He carefully leads the mother sheep that have lambs.