Advent 2025, Day 19

  

Day 19, December 18, 2025

Theme: 

Joy

Readings: 

Reading: Jer 23:5-8 

Gospel: Mt 1:18-25

Reflections:

“A time is coming…” that is either hopeful or foreboding depending on how the sentence ends. In the case of today’s reading, it is very hopeful and joyful. In Jeremiah there was not much hope for God’s people. This message is showing God’s nature. He disciplines but he doesn’t destroy. He is just but he has mercy, as well.

Look at all the predictions of what Jesus will do in this Jeremiah passage. Jesus will:

Reign wisely

Do what is just and right

Save Israel

Provide safety

Jesus is literally the perfect leader!

In Matthew we consider the story of Jesus’ birth and all the angelic interventions required to make the plan work. Keep in mind, God didn’t control anyone. He sent messengers and dreams. And Joseph did great at his part. He found out that Jesus’ name would be “God saves” in Hebrew. This is hyperlinking back to the Jeremiah passage  (and several other prophecies). Jesus is the fulfillment of CENTURIES of predictions as God’s people struggled constantly with identity and idolatry. The whole time God had a plan to be enacted when the time was right. 

We should have great joy that Jesus is the fulfillment of so many predictions and the ongoing source of our justification.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. 

What words or phrases cause you joy as your read these scriptures today?  Set an alarm on your phone for later today to remind you of one of these key word or phrases. Today’s song is another interpretation of one key word, Emmanuel, one of many names for Jesus. 

Song: Emmanuel (Traditional/Hallowed Manger Ground), by Chris Tomlin

Bonus! My Advent 2025 playlist is ready for you to listen to on Apple Music. It's diverse, and it was so much fun to put together as I read through the scriptures and wrote this series.

NOTE the songs are on Apple Music, which you can get for a month for free if you are new... I just didn't want an obnoxious YouTube Ad ruining your quiet time :-)

Please comment on today's devotional below. A Gmail account is required to comment.

If you are looking for a nondenominational church in the Denver area, check out denverchurchofchrist.org