In Ezra, we see that as the Israelites were released from exile and returned to their land, there were emotions of both joy and grief. They were presented with the opportunity to rebuild the altar and it required the people to reflect on their experiences before and through exile. This opportunity was a moment to ask the generations of the past “what do we value?” Advent is a time of anticipation of the arrival of Jesus, where we ask ourselves, “what could the future be like?” To answer that rebuilding question, we must also reflect and remember Who our hope is in. They praised and gave thanks to the Lord, singing responsively, “He is good, his graciousness for Israel lasts forever.” All of the people shouted with praise to the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s house had been laid. Ezra 3:11
