Join us as we reflect on the past year, and look forward with optimism towards 2024...our reading is taken from Isaiah 35:1-8 Joy of the Redeemed 35 The desert and the parched land will be glad;     the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;     it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,     the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord,     the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the feeble hands,     steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts,     “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,     he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution     he will come to save you.” 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened     and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,     and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness     and streams in the desert. 7 The burning sand will become a pool,     the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay,     grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. 8 And a highway will be there;     it will be called the Way of Holiness;     it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it;     wicked fools will not go about on it.