On Sunday, the church around the world entered into the season known as Advent. Stemming from a Latin word that means “arrival,” Advent is a time of waiting for and anticipating the birth of Jesus celebrated at Christmas. These four weeks remind believers to focus their hearts on the person of Christ, the promised Savior. They also provide time and space for acknowledging how hard it can be to wait and how much suffering can take place as we do.

In “Prophesying a Perfect Ruler,” Elizabeth Woodson reflects on the prophet Jeremiah’s words to the people of Judah in a time of turmoil. Under Judah’s leadership, God’s people rejected his law and imitated the nations around them.

“Again and again, the kings chose their sin over God, and the people suffered,” writes Woodson. “Amid this season of chaos, God was not silent … God was not going to do away with Judah’s theocracy. He was going to perfect it.”

Woodson explains that in Jeremiah 23:5–6, God promises that he will raise up a “righteous branch” from Judah’s line. This rightful heir would lead with justice and righteousness. He would save his people. The Savior was coming.

Even in their sin and suffering, God did not forget his people. As we wait for the joy of Christmas, may we remember that God remembers us always. One day, Jesus will return and all that is broken will be restored.

Find more Advent reflections in CT’s Special Issue “The Eternal King Arrives.”