Wednesday 3 December 2025
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (v. 18)
Background
Here is one of the prophet Isaiah’s most hopeful promises: God offers cleansing and renewal. The invitation is fascinating: Verse 18 says: “Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord." The Hebrew verb translated as 'argue' has many nuances. “Let us work this out between us” captures the sense best. God is not being adversarial but is inviting us into a dialogue.
Sin is pictured as a deep stain, yet God promises transformation as radical as scarlet turning to snow. The colour imagery is striking. 'Scarlet' and 'crimson' are not clichés for guilt in the Old Testament; they rarely carry that meaning. Likewise, 'white' does not often symbolise innocence. This makes the writing stronger and fresher: Isaiah used vivid, uncommon contrasts to convey transformation. Stains that seem permanent will vanish and we will be made pure: it's an image of radical renewal.
Advent readiness means allowing God to do this work in us. We cannot wrap ourselves in holiness; we need God’s grace to prepare us. Like peeling away what doesn’t belong in a gift, we need to let go of attitudes and habits that obscure God’s love. The promise of God's forgiveness is not abstract – it is practical, and it leads to justice: “Cease to do evil; learn to do good.” (vs 16-17)
This passage reminds us that God’s gift is not only Jesus coming into the world at Christmas but the ongoing grace that makes us new. We are invited to receive that gift and become gifts ourselves: wrapped in mercy, offered to the world.
To Ponder:
- What habits or attitudes need washing away in your life?
- How does grace prepare you to be a gift of peace?
Prayer
Wash us clean, O God, and wrap us in your mercy. Make us ready to live as gifts of your love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fishburne
Andy is a Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer for the Methodist Church in Britain. He works to support individuals and communities in deepening their life of faith and discipleship, helping people explore what it means to live a Methodist Way of Life. His role includes developing resources and encouraging creative approaches to faith formation across the Connexion.