The Third Sunday of Advent (NTA)

Romans 15:8-13

⁸ For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, ⁹ and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,

and sing to your name.”

¹⁰ And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

¹¹ And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and let all the peoples extol him.”

¹² And again Isaiah says,

^j“The root of Jesse will come,

even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;

in him will the Gentiles hope.”

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

The root of Jesse, the son of David, the King of Righteousness, is the one who will rule this world with justice and righteousness. Jesus Christ is our king of glory. He is the one who brings redemption to the Gentiles or Nations. All people should take this time to rejoice in God.

I could talk further about the root of Jesse and this Advent Season, but I think the important thing is Hope. God provides Hope for his people. Many people have lost all sight of hope. Hope is fogged by the daily activities of life. People driving to work can’t see past the car in front of them. Parents getting their children to school do not see past the school bus or getting the kids in the car. We are all focused on the immediate action.

The root of Jesse has been giving people hope for centuries. The hope of David’s son to reign over the nation of Israel. The hope of a King who will bring peace to the nations once more. The root of Jesse is our eternal hope. He is the one who dies for our sins. He is the one who rises for our new life. He is the one who is yet coming to save us from these worries and doubts. The root of Jesse is still our hope and praise today.