First Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

“‘In those days and at that time
    I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
    he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
    and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
    The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ (NIV)

In this week’s first reading, we are reminded of the promise God made to the people of Israel and Judah. God’s promise is one that assures safety and hope. This promise was given during a time of great suffering and despair, a time when salvation and joy didn’t seem possible. However, God always keeps His promises. In this case, God’s promise was kept with the arrival of Jesus Christ—“the righteous branch sprout from David’s line.”

Just as the nations of Israel and Judah looked to God for deliverance, we can also look to God and His promises for comfort and hope. We are Israel and Judah. We are all in need of saving. As we enter into the season of Advent, let us anticipate the coming of Christ with the same zeal and passion as our distant ancestors.