Right now it's Advent - the beginning of the church year - and a time defined by waiting. Waiting for the birth of the Christ child. Waiting for the Son of God to join us here on Earth. Waiting for redemption and the fulfillment of millenniums of hope.
The church I attend keeps talking about active waiting. This isn't just sitting and seeing what will happen but being diligent in our relationship with God, getting to know Him better while pursuing life to the best of our ability in the midst of uncertainty, with expectation.
I like the concept very much and try to do it. But there are days, kind of like today, where that is a tall order. Sometimes the wait overwhelms me and I feel paralyzed.
We know Zechariah felt like that. He had waited his whole life for a child but was getting old. Then, one day, God came and spoke to him. His barrenness (actually Elizabeth's) would end and life would come to their family. Not only would they have a son, but he would be highly regarded and prepare people for the coming of the Lord. When Zechariah doubted the angel, he lost his voice until he was able to name the child.
Another person waiting for a miracle was Simeon. He was told he would see the Messiah before he died. He went to the temple one day and saw the child,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 1:29-32)
according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 1:29-32)
And finally Anna, the prophet, was waiting too. She was a widow who worshipped at the temple day and night. As soon as she saw the Christ child, she shared with others that redemption had come to Israel.
All of these characters in the story of God's incarnation were waiting. They were waiting to see what God was going to do in their lives and what God was going to do in their community. The continued in their daily lives, doing what they always did, but then God intersected their stories and their lives were changed. All there characters encounted a life changing event - having a baby, Simeon blessed Him, and Anna started to share the good news! My hunch is that nothing was the same after this encounter. That life was different.
I know in my life that day is coming. Whatever it is going to look like, what God hopes to do with me, will be revealed and there will be no question about what is going on.
So may Advent be a season of waiting - for Christ for come - for God to guide and direct my heart.
We wait, dear Jesus, we wait.
