“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
“‘In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Jeremiah 33:14-16
“I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play, And mild and sweet their songs repeat, Of peace on Earth, good will to men…And in despair I bowed my head ‘There is no peace on Earth,’ I said, For hate is strong and mocks the song, Of peace on Earth, good will to men.” —I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
God will make all things
“Look, the days are coming” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “when I will fulfill the good promise that I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” —Jeremiah 33:14
God
“In those days and at that time I will cause a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David…” —Jeremiah 33:15
The Branch is a
“I will raise up a Righteous Branch…He will reign wisely as king…” —Jeremiah 23:5
“I am about to bring my servant, the Branch.” —Zechariah 3:8
The Branch is
“Here is a man whose name is Branch…” —Zechariah 6:12
“On that day the Branch of the Lord…” —Isaiah 4:3
The Righteous Branch is
“In those days and at that time I will cause a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David, and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is what she will be named: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.” —Jeremiah 33:15-16
“
and refer to fair and equitable relationships among people, impartial law courts, the protection of the weak from the strong justice, and the personal characteristics righteousness that make such conditions possible” —Gene Tucker
The Branch
“Remember, Lord, your compassion and your faithful love, for they have existed from antiquity. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with your faithful love, remember me because of your goodness, Lord…Lord, for the sake of your name, forgive my iniquity, for it is immense.” —Psalms 25:6-7, 11
“Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me…he shows sinners the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” —Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9
“…may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone…May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father…” —1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
“But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” —Luke 21:36
Pray for
“Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on Earth, good will to men…Then ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day. A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on Earth, good will to men.” —I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
For further study:
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
Resources: “Advent and Christmas Wisdom” by Henri Nouwen
Community Group Guide:
Step One:
Read Psalm 25 as a group.
Pray for the Spirit to guide each person.
Step Two:
Provide your group 10-15 minutes to read the text themselves while asking the following questions:
1. What do I learn about God?
2. What do I learn about people?
3. What does God want me to do?
Step Three:
Share your responses to the questions as time allows as a group.
To prepare for next week: The Promise of the Messenger; Malachi 3:1-4