A Time of Waiting
One candle glows in the evening twilight enfolding families in its serenity. Eyes wide, children breathe in the Hope held in this moment as the season of Advent carries them on a sacred journey commemorating the birth of Christ. (photo by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash)
The season of waiting and anticipation has arrived. In these holy moments, families reflect weekly on a different, but profound, theme as they light another of the four candles during the weeks of Advent. As they move through the themes, they immerse themselves in the message of Christ’s coming. In a way, the Advent season shines a light on the Old Testament faithful who were waiting for the coming Messiah. We Christians know the Messiah has come in Christ’s birth, but through Advent, we rekindle our awareness of a life lived in His love, peace, and joy.
Let’s follow along on the Advent journey. The first week, we are offered Hope–“an unshakable confidence that God can be trusted,” said Max Lucado in his book Because of Bethlehem. As we wait–a difficult process whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. But each evening when we gather around the glowing candles, we experience Christ’s presence wash over us. We understand that He is present with us through every moment of each day, His help in every struggle, joy, or accomplishment.
Waiting seasons are a common part of life. It’s then we hang onto Hope, not knowing how long before our prayers are answered. Some are waiting for employment, some for paychecks to pay the rent. Others are waiting for medical diagnosis scraping for Hope in a cure of healing. Some have been waiting years for the love promised in their marriage vows. We all have something that holds us in waiting rooms until our Hope is realized.
In the next few weeks, we’ll journey through Peace, Joy, and Love on our way to the manger where we’ll find the baby Jesus who fulfills our hearts’ desires and offers us Eternal Life unending filled with these gifts.
Hope will be fulfilled as we reach the manger on Christmas Day, giving us a taste of what each day can hold for us as we wait for the Eternal Christmas.
If you would like to travel the Advent journey with us, you may want to purchase a copy of Max Lucado’s book, Because of Bethlehem, Love is Born Hope is Here, or my friend Mary Geisen’s book, The Advent Narrative, The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living. Mary’s book is available on Amazon Kindle free or download it to your e-reader for $2.99.
May you have an Advent filled with Hope.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Beautiful post, Janis! My DIL asked me to write some simple advent narratives for each day from Dec. 1-24 for two-year-olds. Whew! Not easy. The simple is fine, but coming up with something for 24 days is a challenge.
Thank you, Tracy. Writing Advent stories for two-year-olds sounds quite challenging. And one for each day! Wow! Well, you certainly have the talent to do it. But thinking of something for every day would have to be like an Advent calendar.
Thank you for this post dear friend to remind us of this season of hope. We all need to hold onto hope in the waiting seasons don’t we?
Yes, Marcy. Waiting seasons have no time set limits like Advent does. But grabbing hold of Hope, as you do so often, will carry us through because of Christ’s promises. I love you sweet friend.
Beautiful reflection, Janis. “Through Advent, we rekindle our awareness of a life lived in His love, peace, and joy.” Yes! This season is such a wonderful time to linger in the stillness and ponder all His birth brings to us each and every day. Blessings to you and your family!
Dear Joanne, thank you for your insight. This is a perfect time to ponder the significance of Christ’s birth and the blessings of God through this.
This season of Advent is so special—I like your reminders of waiting—the OT saints waited for the Messiah and God often has us wait for many things as we trust in Him. So grateful for the Babe in the manger!
Thank you, Rachelle, for your thoughts. God’s love manifested in Jesus, the Babe in the manger.
Fond memories around the Advent wreathe as a child rushed into my mind as I read your post. There was such anticipation and joy! You beautifully expressed the season and our hope for more as we look to Jesus for our completion in eternity.
Thank you, Val. I just wrote the one on peace for this week. I’m glad you were reminded of the anticipation and joy which is stirred in us during Advent.