The First Week of Advent Readings - begins December 1
Today, we light the first Advent candle, the Prophecy candle, also called the candle of Hope. The candle represents the hope given to God’s people by God’s prophets, in dark and desperate times.
When Jesus was born, God’s people were enduring oppression and needed a message of hope. Today, we will consider Herod the Great, an evil ruler over the region of Judea, including Bethlehem. In his attempt to keep Jesus from becoming the King of the Jews, Herod had all the male children under his rule, eliminated.
Matthew records this event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, in Matthew 2:13-18, saying,
“Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.’”
His Old Testament quote takes his readers back to a great prophecy found in Jeremiah 31. Here Jeremiah speaks about a new covenant that God will establish for his people. Before describing that covenant, Jeremiah prophecies, saying,
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Once more they shall use these words in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I restore their fortunes: The Lord bless you, O habitation of righteousness, O holy hill!’…For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jeremiah 31:23,25)
God’s promises are so assuring, they allow the prophet to rest in peace. Jeremiah says, “At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.” (Jeremiah 31:26)
In a world full of corruption and suffering, we light the candle of Hope, believing and rejoicing in the promises of God to us. Our souls find rest in the grace provided for us through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Weekly readings for further study
Sunday, Read today’s Christmas reading at home.
Monday, Read Psalm 2, considering God’s sovereignty over the rulers of this world. How should we view earthly rulers? Where do we find refuge?
Tuesday, Read Luke 2:1-7. While these rulers were oblivious to what God was doing, consider how instrumental they were in fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. How does Psalm 2 apply?
Wednesday, Read Jeremiah 30. Consider God’s promises to his rebellious people. How is God faithful to these words today?
Thursday, Read Jeremiah 31. Consider God’s mercy and grace for His people. How did Christ establish this new covenant?
Friday, Read Matthew 2:1-18. Consider the corruption in Herod’s heart. How does Psalm 2 apply?
Saturday, As you prepare for Sunday, read Luke 1:5-25.
For families with younger children
This week, read Psalm 2 with them and discuss the sovereignty of God. Help them by connecting the theme of this Psalm with the rulers in Jesus’ day. Tell them the story of Caesar Augustus, Quirinius, and Herod. Refer to Psalm 2: Who is God’s king? How does this apply to their lives as subjects in God’s kingdom and world?