As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come sit with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read today’s bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

Close your eyes and imagine for a minute that you are sitting in a dark room. There is a sense of fear as you consider what may be in this room with you. You can barely see your hand in front of your face. Is the room large or small, empty or crowded?  Your eyes strain to make out anything, even a shadow or shape of something, but no luck. Then you hear a click and see a tiny flame burst to life as a small candle begins to glow. That tiny light in the darkness brings a sense of hope, that now, more about your environment will be revealed. The beginning of this hope stirs as your imagination begins to flow. 

This first week of Advent, our wreath is dark except the light flickering from the one purple candle. It is often referred to as the Prophet’s Candle and draws our focus to HOPE. But why hope? As Christians, we hear the Old Testament prophecies each year during this season as our Church wisely reminds us that God made a promise, and He is faithful. We are called to hear the same words that Israel heard, but because we know Jesus, we can put the puzzle together and be hopeful for the victory ahead of us. These readings are filled with words that hint at what is to come and hide within themselves images of our savior, Jesus Christ, if we are willing to look closely. 

So, for we who are living today, what brings us hope? Are we any different than the Israelites? Do we need to know that God’s promises will be fulfilled even if we don’t see it yet? He says through Jeremiah that the days are coming when promises will be fulfilled. When a shoot from King David will come and do what is right and just and we will all dwell securely. Let these words sit in your soul and remind you of the Hope that we all have because God has promised He will bring safety and no harmful thing we experience will ever win. 

Reflection Questions: Where in your life right now, do you feel like there is a darkness that could use a little flicker of light and hope? What does God want to remind you to hold on to as He is coming this Christmas? Can you allow your heart to be open to the idea of safety and security in that space? Do you believe that God is bigger than any darkness and that if you will focus on that one tiny flame, it can grow brighter, and you will not be alone in the dark room?