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Prophets Prepare People – Jeremiah 33:14-15 “‘The day will come,’ says the LORD, ‘when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.’” 

As I sit down to write, I am weary and slow. I am just now emerging from the exhaustion of a long, drawn out episode of clinical depression. For months and months life has been an exercise in perseverance and grit. It has required the best of me. 

At the time of our text, Jeremiah has been fighting a battle, too. A long, hard, uphill battle, which has now landed him in prison. All that which he has warned God’s people about is coming true. Despair is everywhere. Doom and gloom have taken up residence in the cities and villages. God’s promises seem to have come to an end. From where is their Saviour to come now? Who are they as a people? Has God abandoned them? 

Defeated. Exiled. Hopeless. Sagging and Tired. 

And into this despair God speaks: “I will fulfill the good promise I made . . . “  

God gave the world his best so that we can experience the best even in the midst of our darkest. When life is demanding the best of you, lean on the promise of God’s best: “…the dawn of redeeming grace.” 

Take a moment to sit still and drop your shoulders.

Take one deep breath and gently wonder: 

What do you need God to promise you this Christmas through Jesus’ coming?

 

*stay tuned for tomorrow’s advent reflection* 

(advent reflections have been prepared by a variety of writers from Peace Church)