I have toted this bell with me since 1986. For thirty-five year this bell has made it’s appearance every Advent to be enjoyed. Sitting thoughtfully with other bells from my youth it is a reminder of the joy I feel from music.

Unfortunately, the bell doesn’t sound the way it used too.  Several years ago there was an accident. If you look closely you can see the evidence from the fateful day when a slip off the fingers caused the bell to suffer greatly.

I stood there staring at the pieces, sad, because many things I own can not be replaced. Fortunately my husband is a master gluer and slowly reassembled the tiny treasure. While it doesn’t ring the same, it still shares the sounds of possible joy that comes with a new look and tone.

In our text today from Jeremiah 30:1-11, I am reminded that we like the Isrealites and the bell can find our selves feeling broken, and our hearts shattered. But also like the isrealites can turn to the great gluer and trust our pieces will be restored. Yes our new sound may be a bit different, but the fact that we will be able to sing is the gift of great joy.

Let us pray. God of restoration, with so many people in the world, in our country, and in our towns feeling the effects of policies, politics, economic shifts, and health realities, we ask you to mend what is broken. Re-glue, and knit your people and communities into healthy places so we may sing a new song of praise. In Jesus name. AMEN

TODAY ADVENT CHALLENGE: Read Jeremiah 30:1-11 and capture a picture of “Restore”. Share on social media #Messiahlutheranpc #AdventPhotos #Signs4life