Bible reading
“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1. 9 – 13)
Meditation
Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting to celebrate the first coming of Christ and reflecting on our wait for his second coming. Waiting is a common experience; one that used to characterise the British as we were known for our ability to wait patiently in queues. Now that would seem to have changed, as adverts claim that impatience is a virtue. Waiting is something which characterises both the Christmas story and the wider story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection:
Waiting
Waiting.
Elizabeth waiting years for the conception of a child.
Waiting.
Mary waiting nine months for the birth of God’s son.
Waiting.
Simeon waiting to see the salvation of Israel.
Waiting.
Eastern visitors following a star, waiting to worship the baby born King of the Jews.
Waiting.
Joseph and Mary living in Egypt waiting for the death of Herod.
Waiting.
Jesus working and waiting for his ministry to begin.
Waiting.
Jesus tempted and waiting for his ministry to begin.
Waiting.
Disciples asking, “when will this be?”, and waiting for fulfilment.
Waiting.
Jesus waiting in prayer at Gethsemene, his disciples sleeping, unable to wait with him.
Waiting.
Mary weeping at the foot of the cross and waiting for death.
Waiting.
Jesus in the tomb, waiting for the third day.
Waiting.
Disciples, fearful and hopeless, gathered together behind locked doors and waiting.
Waiting.
Disciples waiting in Jerusalem for baptism by the Holy Spirit.
Waiting.
Church waiting for the kingdom coming through the return of the King.
Love waits.
Birth waits.
New life waits.
Revelation waits.
God waits.
Why are we waiting? Why does God wait? The answer that the Bible seems to give is that he is waiting for us to respond to him. W. H. Vanstone wrote in Love's Endeavour, Love's Expense: “So it is with the love of God. For the completion of its work, and therefore its own triumph, it must wait upon the understanding of those who receive it. The love of God must wait for the recognition of those who have power to recognise … Recognition of the love of God involves, as it were, the forging of an offering: the offering is the coming-to-be of understanding: only where this understanding has come to be has love conveyed its richest blessing and completed its work in triumph.”
God waits for us; waits for our recognition, understanding and response to his love. So, let us make it our aim and prayer this Advent to see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly day by day.
Prayer
Lord God, there are so many things in Advent that can drive us to distraction. Some of them are seasonal: Christmas shopping, holiday traffic, the hustle and bustle. Some are personal: family struggles, vocational crises, broken relationships, hopes deferred and deep disappointments. Some of them are corporate: Injustice, War, Terror, Poverty, and Apathy for the Vulnerable. We cry, “how long O Lord?” We remember your coming and we long for your coming again – your second Advent when all sorrow and suffering will cease.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, this Advent may our waiting lead us to know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Although our 24-7 instant society seems to teach that impatience is a virtue, help us learn the virtue of waiting. Help us value Advent as a time of waiting to celebrate your first coming and also to wait expectantly and watchfully for your second coming.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, this Advent may our waiting lead us to know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
This Advent may we recognise your love by forging an offering; the coming-to-be of understanding - knowing you more clearly, loving you more dearly, and following you more nearly. As this understanding comes in our lives, may your love convey its richest blessing and complete its work in triumph.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, this Advent may our waiting lead us to know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Blessing
Love conveying its richest blessing. Love completing its work in triumph. The cessation of all sorrow and suffering. True light enlightening everyone. May those blessings of almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
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River City People - I'm Still Waiting.
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