December 2nd – Hope in troubling times (Advent 1)

Eric Barker preaches at our first Advent service. Jeremiah’s prophecy of a “righteous branch” from the descendants of King David comes in times of great trial and suffering, with the city of Jerusalem under siege from the Babylonians, and the people taken into exile (Jeremiah 33:14-16). But still there is hope for the future, that in spite of everything, God will fulfill his promise and send a righteous Saviour to redeem his people.

The reading for Luke 21:25-36, also reminds us that when times are difficult and the world is in turmoil, we should look up, and keep our hope in the promise that Jesus will come again to put everything right, and establish a new kingdom that will last for ever.