Advent Devotional

Jeremiah 31: 31-34

First, Jeremiah’s main tenet was that the all powerful God might punish his chosen people for sinning but would never let them be destroyed by their enemies, mainly the Assyrians. So, in spite of the sinfulness of King Ahaz, God renewed God’s covenant with the people of Israel. What a comfort it must have been to the Israelites at a disastrous time in their history to be told by Jeremiah that God was renewing his covenant with them. This covenant is the same promise we are given through the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. We are promised that through God’s grace, we will never be alone and in the end, death will not prevail. The birthday of Jesus reminds us of this promise.

In this scripture God is the sole actor. Inherent in a covenant, however, is a requirement from both parties. What then is the Israelites’ responsibility to this covenant? God will put his law in their hearts. They are expected to obey that law. Jesus came to fulfill the law. He promises us a covenant of grace through which we are certain that death never prevails. With this beautiful promise in our hearts this Christmas, may we fulfill our part of the new covenant by following Jesus’ way: feeding the hungry, being peacemakers, caring for the widows and orphans or the voiceless and powerless in our midst.

PRAYER: Gracious God, we, like the Israelites, find ourselves amidst calamity: war, an economic crisis and a crisis of values. Yet you promise us your faithful presence and your salvation. Help us to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child and the promise it represents with hope and celebration of your goodness. Amen.

Anne Sayre