Invitation to Hope

       Gaze toward the east, Jerusalem,

          and behold the joy that is coming to

              you from GOD.

       The children whom you saw depart are

              returning;

          they are returning, gathered together

              from the east and the west,

          at the command of THE HOLY ONE,

          rejoicing in the glory of GOD.

       Remove your robe of mourning and

              affliction, O Jerusalem,

          and adorn yourself forever with the

              splendor of the glory of GOD.

       Wrap yourself with the cloak of GOD's justice,

          and place on your head the diadem of

              the glory of the Everlasting.

       For GOD will reveal your splendor to

              every nation under the heavens;

          and you will forever be called by

              GOD:

          "The Peace of Justice and The Glory of

              Piety."

       Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the

              heights

          and look toward the east;

       behold your children gathered from the

              west and the east

          at the command of THE HOLY ONE,

          rejoicing that GOD has remembered

              them.

       They departed from you on foot,

          led away by their enemies.

       But GOD will bring them back to you,

          borne aloft in glory as though on a

              royal throne.

       For GOD has decreed

          that every high mountain and the 

              everlasting hills be leveled

       and that the valleys be filled to make level

              ground,

          so that Israel may walk securely in the

              glory of GOD.

       The woods and every type of fragrant

              tree

          have provided shade for Israel at GOD's

              command.

       For GOD will lead Israel with joy,

          by the light of HIS glory,

          with the mercy and uprightness that

              come from HIM.

BARUCH: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 36 & 37 & CHAPTER 5