“Why Do We Have to Wait?”
With the “Black Friday” semi-official holiday following on the heels of Thanksgiving, it feels as though Christmas is right around the corner, and we’d better spring into action if we want to find any gifts that are appropriate and affordable to put under the family Christmas tree. Instead, let’s assert our Christian uniqueness and wish one another a “Happy New (Church) Year!” What a positive turnaround, as we’ve grumbled along through cold, gray days, to now be given the fresh start and sense of new beginning that comes with a new year!
As we begin the season of Advent, there’s a different tone and tempo to worship, as thoughtful contemplation and anticipation give us a respite from the busy, secular approach to Christmas. We can neither hurry up nor slow down the passage of time, but we can be aware of how we make use of it, putting value on every one of the coming days.
The Old Testament lessons for these four weeks include prophecies and promises of a Messiah, a Savior, who will come to God’s people, along with exhortations to be patient in waiting for the arrival of this King. The book of Isaiah is filled with vivid imagery:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; these who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:2, 6)
Waiting, watching, and living in faith are challenging, and the Psalmist offers words of encouragement: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). Here, the phrase “wait for the Lord” means not only to maintain hope that God will arrive, but also to refrain from going one’s own way. Waiting becomes a positive, hopeful activity, maturing us in our faith.
Many might question the need for this time of preparation — after all, for years we’ve heard the stories about God’s promises, the angel telling Mary that she will bear God’s Son, and the arduous journey to Bethlehem. But we are given an opportunity to hear the messages again, perhaps with a little difference in perspective than a year ago, or five or ten years ago. The message doesn’t change, but our perceptions might, and a familiar story becomes meaningful in a new way. As we sing, pray, listen, and reflect on this season of anticipation, our hearts are opened, and once again we marvel at God’s gift of his only Son, who came to earth, bringing the message of God’s love and forgiveness for all humanity.
As the Advent season continues, we aren’t shoppers standing in line, wishing it would move along and we could get this whole waiting thing over — we are people with hope and assurance, looking forward to the greatest gift of all.
That’s why we wait!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers