Emphasis Preaching Journal

Chuck worked in a small, inner-city machine shop. Over a relatively short time, the shop was vandalized, experienced a fire, and was hit by a flood. But each time, Chuck and his crew repaired the damage and continued working, being glad they had a job at all. Chuck would often say, "What doesn't kill me will make me stronger."

This is spirit the prophet wanted for the dispirited people of Israel who returned to a devastated land. Advent is about real hope in a God who can and does deliver his people.