In Jeremiah 31, there is a phrase that is repeated by the Lord to the hearer of these words. The phrase "The LORD's declaration" occurs 10 times in these 40 verses. These words even appear at times in the middle of a thought or sentence, uniquely placed to garner attention. The message is repeated to ensure a message is known: that God can be trusted.

During the Prophet Ezra's time, the work had begun to rebuild the temple. There was an eager desire among God's people, leading them to anticipate what that place would afford them upon it's completion. As the people worked and waited, even in the midst of their exhaustion, they made time to worship.

This week is our second week in our Advent Countdown with the story of the birth of Jesus. The events around Jesus’ birth were not all that easy for Mary and Joseph, who had to travel a long way and couldn’t find a place to stay the night Jesus was to be born. But God had a plan all along, and He would save the world He loved through His son Jesus.

This week we begin our Advent Countdown with the story of Mary and Joseph in Luke, and the prophet Jeremiah. Many prophets, including Jeremiah, foretold of God’s promise to send a Savior to Israel. But God’s plan wasn’t exactly fulfilled how people thought it would be.

This week for Thanksgiving, we recall Jesus healing the ten lepers in Luke Chapter 17 and how only one showed thanks and praised God for his healing. We can and should show gratitude for Jesus's work: paying the consequences of our sins and giving us the opportunity to accept a restored relationship with God.