Jeremiah 33:14 (NRSV)

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.

Reflection:

In this season of thanks and time of anticipation and as we expect and hope for the coming of the Lord, we long for the promise of God to be fulfilled. We may not expect that God's appearance will be wrapped in rags or seen in a feeding bin, as the birth story of Jesus reminds us. Nor do we expect that the appearance of God will be in the location of an animal shelter, appear in dark and dreary places. Yet we do and can expect that promise to be fulfilled.

God may show up to us in unexpected ways. God can be present in our worship experiences filled with promise and possibility during this season. God can be in our homes where love is shared in this season of generosity. But God can also show up in homeless shelters and soup kitchens. God may be found in hospital rooms and prison cells. Whenever God shows up the promise of God follows.

Let's not underestimate the ability of God to show up, to be present with us, no matter our circumstance or the place where we dwell or find ourselves at the moment. God can show up and fulfill promise to God's people. In this time of giving thanks and as Advent is upon us with all that the season offers, let us remember that it is a time to trust in the God who shows up, the God who fulfills promises, is faithful to us. This we can depend on, in these challenging days.

Prayer:

Dear God, as we wait for your coming, let me depend upon your promise of love and justice, of peace and presence as I wait. In this season of thanks and as we await your anticipated birth, remind us that your love has sustained us in our yesterdays, is present and active today and will be fulfilled in our tomorrows. Amen.

Steve W. Camp

Senior Pastor of Faith Congregational Church UCC in Hartford, Connecticut