December 1
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: 14-17
Welcome to Advent. This is the beginning of the Christian calendar year. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and is a time of preparation, of expectant waiting, of longing for the coming of the Messiah.
The days will seem unending for children but pass ever so quickly for adults. We hope the thoughts and words in this and coming postings will help you, as you move through the days of Advent with your family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, to slow down and contemplate with a renewed sense of wonder and yearning God’s entry into the world. Advent is a time to think, and even to say, “This is awesome!”
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
(The United Methodist Hymnal, Charles Wesley, 1707-1788)
