Advent...waiting, hoping, believing
Waiting...how hard it is to wait when you know that you are waiting. Yet, how priceless it is to wait when you recall what you await! As a father awaits the birth of the child he has never felt move . And as a mother waits to see the child she has only felt. We await a chance to remember Him, to celebrate Him...but will we welcome Him to our lives completely?
Hoping...how hard it is to hope when you cannot imagine the object of your hoping. Yet, what strength that comes from from hope when you realize your hope is real! As a lover hopes to see again the beloved separated by time or space. As a beloved hopes to be seen and be loved by the lover unseen, yet real. We hope as we await the coming day of remembrance...but do we live for His promised day of return?
Believing...how hard it is to believe when you look around at pain and struggle. Yet, how much there is to believe when you perceive why you believe! As a child believes all is well walking in the dark while her father holds her hand. As a mother believes her child's potential is real when he cannot. We believe as wait in hope...but do we remember to pray “Lord, I believe, but help Thou my unbelief!”
“Come, Thou, Long Expected Jesus”
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.