Jeremiah 23:5-6: Behold!
Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023
In this final, brief week of Advent, let us decide to make our hopes tangible, our dreams a prayer for a new reality, our faith unwavering and our love secure. Let us cleave to the Creator, follow the Redeemer and rest in the Spirit. This week let us give one another the gift of preparing for the very real promise of eternity.
Is it possible for an all-powerful God to come into the world as a helpless child?
Behold the days come, saith the Lord, and I will raise up to David a just branch: and a king shall reign, and shall be wise, and shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. (DRA)
Might we believe that we are sisters and brothers of the one who wants to save us?
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (NRSV)
Does it make sense that we are included in God’s mighty plan?
The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will rule wisely and do what is right and just throughout the land. (GNT)
Can we imagine that the Spirit dwells in each of us?
“The days are coming,” says Adonai
when I will raise a righteous Branch for David.
He will reign as king and succeed,
he will do what is just and right in the land. (CJB)
Is it likely that we might learn to love those we hate and those who hate us?
“Time’s coming” – God’s Decree –
“when I’ll establish a truly righteous David-Branch,
A ruler who knows how to rule justly.
He’ll make sure of justice and keep people united.
In his time Judah will be secure again
and Israel will live in safety. (MSG)
Behold, Emmanuel is among us. Behold, God’s promise is upon us. Behold, the Spirit calls us to unity.
This is the name they’ll give him:
‘God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right.’ (MSG)
When we compare varying versions of these verses, we behold the wonder, the wisdom and the splendor of the promise God gives us.
For more on the three Le Nain brothers, visit: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Le-Nain-brothers
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