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 NRSVUE
December 1, 2024
1st Sunday of Advent: Hope
Living in disruptive times? Upheaval and instability have you physically and spiritually nauseous? Jeremiah is the prophet for you. He prophesied when things fell apart. As 587 BCE sprinted toward the people and Jerusalem crumbled, Jeremiah preached, prayed, and cried as exile grabbed the bodies and spirits of God’s people. Through suffering and doubt, Jeremiah would not relent. He kept his faith and wrestled with searing doubt up to the brink of disaster. He kept his faith after disaster came. Shall we?
As the world as he knew it collapsed, Prophet Jeremiah sang a God-song. Listen!
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.”
We are surrounded by rubble. But can you hear the prophetic music? Can you see the Branch springing up? We will be saved. We will live in safety. The Lord is our righteousness, this Advent and always.
Reverend William H. Lamar IV
Pastor, Metropolitan AME Church
Prayer: Heavenly Parent, please work with your people to remain unbroken even among the rubble. Amen
Advent Guide 2024
We invite you to join us in meditation, reflection, prayer and spiritual disciplines throughout the season of Advent and beyond.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.