On this First Sunday of Advent we will hear from the prophet Jeremiah. During the particularly dark and troubled times of the Babylonian exile, Jeremiah speaks both of the people's transgressions against God's intentions for the world and the hopeful future when God will once again restore the people's relationship to God. Advent is a time of waiting: waiting for the promised Messiah, and waiting for the fulfillment of God's eternal promises of mercy, love, and righteousness. We will discuss these elements of God's promises in the context of our Advent season. (note: for additional information about the context of the life and times of the prophet Jeremiah, please read the additional guide, "Jeremiah's Context" below).
Our Scripture passage is found in the Book of the prophet Jeremiah. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Jeremiah 33:14-16).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Before reading the Scripture lesson for this week, read the additional study sheet (Jeremiah's context) below. Reflect on the feelings of the Jewish people during these difficult times, and how the words of consolation might have helped them in their situation so far from the land they called home.
Read the Scripture lesson for the week, and reflect on the following: how might the words of Jeremiah be "good news" for the people? how do you imagine the people thought Jeremiah's prophecy of good news and consolation would actually happen in their lives?
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the study guide below, and reflect on the following questions: what do you believe the promise "of a righteous branch to spring from David" actually means in the life of the Jewish people? How are these words filled with hope (for a people in exile) and how are these words challenging (for a people who believe their exile is in punishment for their neglect of God)?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below, and reflect on the author's statement, "as the people are in great despair and suffering...it is precisely this context that despair opens the door to creativity and hope." Have you ever found yourself in a place of difficulty and despair that forced you to become creative, and that creativity opened up new paths that you would not have normally discovered?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, and reflect on these questions: How did Jesus' leadership exemplify righteousness and justice? What does a righteous community look like?
Read the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below and answer the following: How does the church work to fulfill the promises of God? How will people know when God's promise is fulfilled?
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