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. 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. 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.”

Jeremiah 33:14-16 

WHAT DO WE HOPE FOR?

Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we sit in the glow of the candle of hope. In a world that is filled with so much violence and hatred it can be difficult to lean into hope. Honestly, it can feel as if hopelessness is trying to consume us. In the face of this despair, it is not mere wishful thinking that will help. No, hope is an act of faith that requires our whole selves. Recently, when I have slipped into that state of hopelessness, I have taken great comfort in the scriptures. Stories that remind us that humans time and time again have slipped into hopelessness and God has continued to find them and offer them hope. 

In the book of Jeremiah, there is a rich historical context that provides context for the above verses. The Israelites have found themselves exiled to a foreign land, Babylon, after a failed rebellion and the punishment was not simply exile. The temple had been destroyed and the Davidic king stripped from the throne. These blows, I can imagine, left God’s people reeling and wondering if God had abandoned them. Then comes a message of hope: God is not finished yet, God will fulfill the promises God has made, and those days are surely coming. 

When this world wants us to slip into hopelessness, I pray we have the courage to hope in the God who is faithful. May we be willing to join in with God in reimagining how this world can be. May hope and peace be with you all this week. 

If you are interested in further delving into the theme of hope this week follow along at theversatilegirl.com.  

Grace and Peace,
Margaret