First Sunday Advent
Daily Advent Texts & Meditation
December 3, 2023
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Today’s Texts:

Isaiah 9:2-4: A prophetic promise of hope and peace with the coming of a child.
Jeremiah 33:14-16: Foretelling of a righteous branch bringing justice.

Isaiah 9:2-4
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Jeremiah 33:14-16
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. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Today’s Meditation: In the gentle whisper of Isaiah’s words, we find a beacon of hope – a promise that transcends the ages. The imagery of a great light piercing through the dense fog of darkness offers comfort and assurance. It’s a reminder that no night is too dark, no journey too long, for the light of hope to find its way to us. In Jeremiah’s prophecy, justice and righteousness are not just ideals but imminent realities, embodied in the coming of a righteous branch. These scriptures together invite us to envision a world where light and justice prevail, where every individual, regardless of their journey or struggles, is seen, heard, and valued. Today, let us embrace this vision, holding onto hope and striving for a just and loving community.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• How can we find hope in our daily lives, especially in moments of uncertainty or difficulty?
• In what ways can we contribute to creating a more just and compassionate world around us?

A Prayer For Today: Loving God, as we embark on this Advent journey, let the light of Your hope shine in our hearts. Guide us to be bearers of Your peace and justice in our communities. May we remember that in the midst of our struggles and uncertainties, Your light is ever-present, leading us towards a future filled with hope. Amen.