DAY 1: A Time of Waiting
“It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’”- Isaiah 25:9 ESV
Cover Photo for The Meaning is in the Waiting by Paula Gooder
My Thoughts:
Today marks the first day of Advent. The word Advent means “coming.” Thus, the season of Advent is a time of waiting… of waiting for something to come. And waiting is something that we all have to do at times in life. Yet, in our instant gratification culture, waiting is a dirty word. Everything must be done urgently, hurriedly, ASAP, and now!
But wait we must. Maybe this Christmas season you’re waiting for some good news, for a better job opportunity, or for your health to improve. The Jews of Jesus’ time were also waiting…. Waiting for a Savior to come and rescue them. I encourage you this Advent Season to also feel the wait for the Messiah to come, as the Jews must have felt it. One way to do this is to use an Advent Calendar, which marks the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
My hope and prayer for you is that you find the joy in this season of Advent. And that you take time to wait on Jesus as Emmanuel, God-with-us. In the end, maybe this year’s Advent Season is the time you’ve been waiting for!
“Waiting is a period of learning. The longer we wait, the more we hear about him for whom we are waiting.” – Henri Nouwen
Music: While I’m Waiting by John Waller (click link to play music)
Activity: Use an Advent Calendar
To more fully enjoy this Advent Season, consider using an Advent Calendar to mark the days. This is a great way to engage kids and to remember to celebrate each day we get closer to Christmas Day.
Prayer of Advent Longing:
Almighty God,
ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church:
the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming
and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us
from feeling the joy and hope that his presence will bestow,
for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
