WAITING
After months of waiting, the Advent season begins! For most Advent is a quaint observance in many churches where candles are lit, Christmas songs are shared, and the worship leader reads Bible verses pertaining to the coming birth of Jesus.
As Advent celebrations took shape in medieval times, however, the focus of Advent was not on Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent meant paying attention to the return of Jesus, what we often call ‘the Second Coming.’
We’ve been waiting a long time for that event! We celebrate Christmas every year during the month of December. There has been a renewal of interest in the return of Jesus in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Waiting. As I am writing I am waiting for a tow truck to carry my trusty Ford Ranger to an auto shop. Now that the truck is in their care, I’m waiting for a diagnosis. Then I’ll wait till I can move money from one account to another to pay for necessary repairs.
Waiting. My son, his wife, and their two daughters are moving to the Portland area. We’ve been waiting for a long time for this to occur.
Waiting. When I was younger I thought waiting was non-productive, wasted time, time that could have been invested in things that matter. I’m learning. Waiting is productive. In seasons of waiting God is working, God is moving often in ways I cannot see or perceive.
Waiting. Will you wait with me? Jesus is returning. As we wait, let’s use the time to pause. Let’s look carefully at what God is doing.
Join me every Sunday at 11:00am during the month of December. Let’s wait and see what God is up to!