Every four years we hold an election for President of the United States. Candidates for the office campaign, making speeches and uttering promises of what they will accomplish if elected. We listen to the speeches, hear the promises, and make a decision for whom to vote. A candidate is elected to the office of President and, in January of the next year, is inaugurated as President.

At the time of inauguration most of us, I suspect, even if our candidate was not elected, have a heightened sense of expectation. Maybe this time, maybe in this presidency the promises will be kept. Maybe in this four-year term reality will match the hope that has been generated. Just maybe the rhetoric will be enfleshed in action. Maybe we shall not again be disappointed.

The accession to the Judean throne by…