Preparing, expecting, anticipating, waiting….
That’s the theme of Advent. A word that is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” [1]
We wait for the coming return of Jesus and, in the meantime, we prepare, we hope, we yearn, we ache, and we expect. We live in a broken world that is waiting for the glorious return of our sovereign King.
As we close in on Christmas, we pause during this Advent season to reflect on our spirit of waiting.
What adversity are you waiting for Jesus to overcome?
What pain are you yearning for Jesus to heal?
What promises are you joyfully waiting for Jesus to fulfill?
Where does this season of waiting find you?
A people who wait
As I reread the Christmas story, I realized that many figures in the first pages of Luke’s gospel were waiting. Zechariah and Elizabeth were waiting. Mary was waiting. Simeon and Anna were waiting. The coming of the Good News is filled with waiting people.
Waiting for a child. Waiting for a miracle. Waiting for a sign of the Messiah’s coming. The people in this narrative are not much different than you and I. They are broken, yearning, and expectant for the Messiah to reign. In their weakness they need a Savior. Maybe in your waiting, in your yearning, you can relate to the words of the Psalmist:
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word, I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5-7).
Waiting is hard. And for many, the sense is that waiting is a waste of time. But I believe God wants to renew our hope in our waiting. He wants to work in our lives to restore and increase our trust. I believe, even in our waiting, that God will bring and reveal His glory.
What are you waiting on this Christmas? Are you:
Waiting on ministry breakthrough?
Waiting on physical healing?
Waiting on financial provision?
Waiting on lockdowns to lift?
Waiting on a refreshed vision for your life or ministry?
Maybe you have family or friends you are supporting who are:
Waiting on a diagnosis.
Waiting on an opportunity.
Waiting on a job.
Waiting on a spouse.
Waiting on a miracle.
Friends, “Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption” (Psalm 130:7).
Jesus came as a baby and will once again return as King, to bring shalom, eternal peace, for all who put their faith in Him. Advent is about waiting and expecting. As you wait this Advent season, may you be filled with the hope of the coming of Jesus—a promise fulfilled.
Merry Christmas to each of you. May you and your families be renewed with joy, hope, and love as you wait on Him!
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