Old Testament | Jeremiah 33:14-16 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
O Righteous Branch by Caroline Cobb Smith

Lyrics:
Oh righteous branch from Jesse's root
Please come and bring Your kingdom
The lion dwelling with the lamb
Bring peace and life and freedom

Oh Son of David come to rule
And reign in us forever
Come write Your law upon our hearts
And keep us like a shepherd

Hallelujah Jesus we wait for You
Hallelujah Jesus come soon come soon

Messiah come Your Spirit give
Turn stony hearts to flesh
Redeem us from captivity
The power of sin and death

Jesus come soon come soon

At last at last the morning comes
With healing in its wings
We'll leap like calves loosed from their stalls
For You have done great things
Yes You have done great things

Passage:
14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 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. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’

(Jeremiah 33:14–16 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, chant adapted by Thomas Helmore

Reflection Notes:
The tune VENI IMMANUEL comes from a 15th century chant and originally served as part of a requiem mass. Thomas Helmore adapted it for congregational use as a hymn in the late 1800s, while still retaining the speech-like flow of the original chant. The text dates back to the 8th century and was translated from Latin to English by J. M. Neal.

Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.