"Prepare the Way" and "Hills and Valleys"
Two Isaiah 40 and Luke 3 Videos
to Discuss and Share
An Advent and Epiphany Discussion Resource
from Rotation.org
Early in Advent, churches traditionally remember and study Isaiah 40 and John the Baptist's call (Luke 3) to "Prepare the Way." But their announcement that "mountains will be made low and valleys will be lifted up" is a wonderful reminder that God is moving ahead of us into the new year.
The first video was made by Rotation.org as an Advent gift to our members. You can view it online or download it.
The second video is a wonderful music-video by Tauren Wells that reminds us that God is "The Lord of the Hills and Valleys." It reminds us of the one who goes with us and ahead of us, and that God's "grace is enough."
Video 1: Isaiah 40:3-5 "Prepare the Way"
A warm and inspiring visual presentation of Isaiah's famous words suitable not only for Advent, but for looking ahead at the coming year's "mountains and valleys."
Use it with committees, classes, in worship, or email/post it to members with your own follow-up devotional questions, such as:
- What are some of the "valleys" and "rough places" facing you this year and what can you do to "fill them in" (eliminate or get around them) so you can stay focused on the true meaning of the season?
- What are some of the mountains you can see ahead in the coming year? Valleys?
- List what your church, family, and you as an individual are doing this Advent to help prepare, clear, make, and travel the way of Jesus.
View and download the MP4 video | Share its YouTube link
Video 2: (You are the Lord of the) "Hills and Valleys"
An inspirational song and music video by Tauren Wellsver
The above version is the official music video version with lyrics and cool graphics. There are other good versions too:
Live Concert Version: Energetic: https://youtu.be/2RIKRLGKkBI?si=u85rnBb8y9whdO3V
Acoustic Version: Sweet! https://youtu.be/p4rRCjrAyCs?si=HoogcgiwBabJbYQn
Explained Version: Tauren explains what the lyrics mean to him. (Good for younger people) https://youtu.be/SpdDgY1rnj8?si=yB34uujvJjRi1wE5
See the full lyrics for discussion at https://www.azlyrics.com/lyric...hillsandvalleys.html
Lyric Excerpt:
I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven
From my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God, You give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough (enough)
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain
I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley
I know I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys (You're God)
Hills and valleys (You're God)
God of the hills and valleys (You're God)
And I am not alone (I am not alone)
