Sermons for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
Nehemiah had returned from Babylon in the early fifth century B.C. He had permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. During the captivity the Children of Israel had suffered much confusion and much doubt. The door of hope was opening again. They had decisions to make: What would the new city be like? They were again ready for guidance and discipline. They wanted new life; they took the initiative. They gathered themselves together and spoke to Ezra the scribe: "Bring us the book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord hath commanded to Israel." (Nehemiah 8:1)