November 27, 2019
This Sunday we continue with the Narrative Lectionary and begin our four week series, Proclamation & Promise: The Prophetic Voices of Advent. The voice that leads the way for us is that of the Prophet Jeremiah. The promise “I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” is hope-filled, but it is not a naïve hope. Jeremiah is a prophet imprisoned by his own government (33:1). And the situation is, indeed, dire. The armies of Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar are advancing on Jerusalem; the streets will soon be filled with death (33:4-5). The worst has not yet happened, but it is inevitable. Jerusalem is doomed. Jeremiah's many prophecies of judgment – prophecies that have landed him in prison – are coming true. Yet now, in the midst of catastrophe, the prophet finally speaks words of promise and hope.
Join us on Sunday as we discover why this promise of the restoration of the Davidic line is so hope-filled, and what it means for the people in such a devastating and overwhelming time of loss. Even today, how do we maintain hope and believe in the promise of a Messiah when we ourselves are surrounded by the abuse of power, loss, destruction, hunger, death, stress, illness, and loss of faith? What “branches of hope” can we extend today?
As we celebrate HOPE, we will place symbols of the season all around us as we “hang the greens” during worship. This is a wonderful service for the whole family – as there is a way for everyone to help us decorate our sanctuary with signs of hope, peace, joy, and love!