A season of waiting and wonder.
Christmas is a season of many things, depending on whom you ask. A season to cultivate joy, peace and new understanding of God’s faithfulness in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Christmas, or Advent is considered a season of waiting and wondering.
During Advent, we eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ. However, we are not waiting for Jesus to be born—that event happened over two thousand years ago. While we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus that has occurred, we also use the season of Advent to anticipate The Second Coming. When Jesus comes again, the Kingdom of God will appear in its fullness. When our material universe will be transformed.
At this time, waiting in lines, becomes part of our normal. I find it quite amusing to watch others as they wait. Some are tapping their foots or keep looking at their iWatch or iPhone. Some become quite rude and offensive, especially to the checkout persons (pray for them at this time please.) Very few people talk to each other, and you can see the impatience and irritability heightening. Yet, there is also the waiting of excitement! Like children waiting to see Santa, or people in line to watch their favorite musician or show. They are excited, pleasant, joyful and even talk to each other. This is the kind of waiting we are called to at Advent.
We live in an instant gratification world, so stopping to slow down, breath and take everything in can be difficult. However, finding such time becomes even more important as we focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a time to cultivate a new understanding of God’s faithfulness in the midst of our current situations.
The Christmas/Advent season can be overloaded with many things and yes, lots of waiting. May this season of busyness, financial strain, stress and even loneliness, be filled instead of joyful anticipation. A time filled with family, rekindling relationships and a new, deeper reunion with God as we wait! An increased time of prayer, sitting in His presence and practicing an increased attitude of gratitude. If you are facing discouragement, stress, or other challenges, remember the many years the Israelites waited for God’s provision, and how their hope was not in vain. Today, we know God did fulfill his promise when Jesus came into the world, and we know God is still among us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
In this incredible season of gifts, surprises, glittering trees and twinkling lights, may you be reminded, even stop, breath and take in the best Light of this world, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:8 reads, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” Christ came into the world as a baby, but now he lives in the world through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
May the season of joy, peace and love embrace you as you wait and wonder. A happy and blessed Christmas to you all.
Blessings,
Pastor Teresa
