Monday, December 3, 2018
by Lacy and Hallie Bedol
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.”
Hymn 82: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
“Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.”
People experience fear and worry for a lot of reasons. Some may fear the unknown or loss of loved ones
while others may fear for their safety or where their next meal will come from. For others, fear may
emanate from what they see in the news or online – violence, anger or hatred of differences.
It is important to recognize that all of these fears and others you may experience are valid. While we
should recognize them and experience their course, we must not dwell upon them. Jesus was sent into
the world to relieve all humans of their fears and sins. By putting our trust in him, we can find peace.
During the season of Advent, we keep our sights on the hope of Jesus’s return. We are reminded to
support others and ourselves, so may this time of waiting grant us the opportunity to show Jesus’ love to
those around us.
Dear God, during this Advent season, we aspire to release our fears and experience your peace.
Help us to care for ourselves and also share the joy and love that Jesus brings with those around
us. May this time of waiting be filled with hope as we look forward to the arrival of your Son. In
Jesus’s name, Amen.