Focus
Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.
Read
The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David
14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Reflect
Today at worship you most likely will light the first candle of the Advent wreath. You may even have a reading on Hope.
Today’s reading reminds us of that Hope celebrated today in worship. Jesus Christ was born in the lineage of King David. Jeremiah during the time of Israelite Exile was offering hope to this nation, by reminding them that God would keep his promises. That God would fulfill those promises by bringing forth this righteous branch from the house of David.
Jesus did come. Jesus did fulfill the promises given. Jesus became the atoning sacrifice that we needed.
He is our hope.
On our dark and dreary days, when all we can see is the tunnel that surrounds us, Jesus is the light.
I know of no greater story than this one. The story of a child born in a manger, and who sacrificed himself for the sins of the world. Today if you feel like you are in exile, if you feel like there is no hope, I assure you our hope is here. Our hope is Jesus.
Pray
Holy God, thank you for the hope you offer. Thank you for fulfilling your promises. Thank you for walking beside us in dark moments, dark days, dark seasons. Thank you for continuing to shine that light in places where we cannot see. Thank you for leading us home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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