December 28, 2021

The Joy of Restoration

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Lectionary Week

December 27–31, 2021

Scripture Overview

The readings for this week are full of praise for God’s gift of Jesus Christ and an emphasis on human helplessness apart from God. Jeremiah portrays an exiled people’s despair turning to joy at their restoration. The psalmist proclaims God’s power to protect and provide for God’s people, and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains that God’s will from the beginning has been for our adoption as God’s children through Christ. Praise and thanksgiving to God are the common and appropriate responses to all these mighty acts of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Jeremiah 31:7-14. How have you been restored by God’s kindness?
Read Psalm 147:12-20. In what ways have you experienced God strengthening and restoring you?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. How do you set your hope on Christ? How do you live differently because of that hope?

Respond by posting a prayer .

The goodness of God brings comfort and joy to God’s people. As Jeremiah continues celebrating restoration, he focuses on recovery of lost stock. Through Jeremiah, God promises to end the people’s suffering, to comfort them, and to restore their joy by granting them a blessed future. God promises to rebuild...

Gracious Lord, ever-loving and forgiving God, I yearn for your goodness and mercy. Turn my mourning into joy. Amen.

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The Joy of Restoration

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