Jeremiah 33:14-15

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.

Whenever I read these verses I often think of genealogy ---a family tree. When I was growing up I remember how my father’s sisters spend many hours researching our family tree but they could not understand why my father did not share the same interest in genealogy. At the time of Jeremiah’s ministry both houses of Israel and Judah were living in exile. Jesse was the father of David. David was a young shepherd, when under God’s direction, Samuel anointed him with oil. (1 Samuel 16:11-13). God promised his people he would one day provide them with a king, from the family of David, who would rule with both honesty and justice. This king was Jesus, God’s son who would come into the world as a baby born in Bethlehem. As we begin our advent journey, amidst our preparations of trimming the tree, shopping, wrapping presents & baking. STOP! Take a deep breath remember Jesus is the reason for the Season.

Prayer: Heavenly Father as I begin my advent journey, may you slow me down in the busyness of life to spend time with you both in scripture and prayer so that when it is time to celebrate the birth of your son I will be ready physically, mentally and spirituality. Amen

- Rev. Marlene Quinn