“Look down from heaven and see the branch that You made strong for yourself.” (vss.14-15 NKJV)

I have been thirsty–long hikes, limited water, and miles before the next source. I read the map, looking for the blue water drops printed next to the known sources of water.

Advent keeps us mindful that we are a people of waiting. This season mirrors the time God’s people endured waiting for the promise of redemption and reconciliation to be fulfilled. We wait, but we do not wait passively.

Near my home is a trench drain that collects water during the rainy season. If you live in Colorado, you well know that an abundance of collected water is not typical.

God is at work around us, the smells from the heavenly kitchen are wafting our way like the aromas from grandmother’s kitchen. God is calling us this advent to start setting the table.

This is the Messiah for whom we eagerly await at Advent. This is the one we celebrate each Christmas as God’s gift to the world: the Messiah whose kingdom is established for eternity! God’s power, concern for the needy, justice, and eternal reign are manifest in the Christ child, our Lord and Savior.

Verse 9 reminds us of the glorious patience of the Lord! He is waiting, not forcing the issue but waiting for us to respond to His wonderful grace as applied to both redemption and edification.

In the first five verses of chapter one of Ruth we see human drama and pain playing out in real life.

We find in the Old Testament that our Chosen Jewish friends were to be examples for the world and to live life in accordance with the instructions from the God who called them as a people.

The Apostle Paul wrote a mighty treatise and passionate document to a group of Roman Christians. In this letter, most likely read in public in many house churches, he addressed his passion for preaching Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected.