Isaiah -- Chapters 3-4 -- Judgment and the Branch of the Lord

Completing the prophetic section that began in Chapter 2, Art Morris finds an unexpected connection with Christmas.  Isaiah 4:2-6 are the focal verses: 2In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel. 3It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. 4When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, 5then the Lord will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 6There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.  New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Is 4:2–6). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.