Isaiah 40:4-11

4Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill leveled. The rough terrain will become a level plain, the rugged landscape a wide valley.

5The splendor of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it at the same time. For the Lord has decreed it.”

6A voice says, “Cry out!” Another asks, “What should I cry out?” The first voice responds: “All people are like grass, and all their promises are like the flowers in the field.

7The grass dries up, the flowers wither, when the wind sent by the Lord blows on them. Surely humanity is like grass.

8The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.”

9Go up on a high mountain, O herald Zion! Shout out loudly, O herald Jerusalem! Shout, don’t be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

10Look, the sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him.

11Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.