This is the first week of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We will look at some of the traditional themes of the season over the next four weeks. This week: Anticipation, Expectation, and Waiting.
Today’s scripture: Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
I thought my editor had gone crazy for assigning me this scripture passage for the first week of Advent. No snoozin’ kid in a feed trough. No pretty angels singing and flying around. Not even any dudes sheep-sittin’ out yonder. But, since Advent is about anticipation, expectation, and waiting, I’m beginning to see a connection. Okay then, my editor ain’t nuts. On we go now…
The Christmas story points out the fact that Jesus came to Earth. What anticipation Mary and Joseph must have experienced as they waited for the Son of God to appear. That had to have been an overwhelming exciting nine months for them!
Today’s passage quotes the grown-up Jesus as stating that he will be returning to Earth. What type of anticipation do we have about this impending event?
Speaking of anticipation… how do we daily face future events in our own lives? Do we look to the future with:
- Dread?
- Fear?
- Curiosity?
- Excitement?
- Determination?
- Lack of interest?
- Other?
There was a period in my life when I experienced a large number of stressful events in a short time (i.e., deaths, illnesses, betrayals, financial changes, etc.). There didn’t seem to be an end to the vicious cycle. But, I kept saying to myself, “There’s got to be light at the end of this tunnel somewhere!” Even when I couldn’t really see it with my heart, I remained determined to see it eventually. Sure enough, one day the light truly did begin to shine at the end of the tunnel!
I know that however trying the experiences happen to be that I now have, or will ever go through, definitely pale in comparison to what Jesus went through. But he got through everything, and — with him alongside us via the Holy Spirit — we, too, can get through anything.
Thought for the day: Hey, Future, come on, ’cause we (Jesus and me) are ready for you!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.