Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ~James 5:7-8
Advent is here once again, ushering in perhaps the most fruitful season of waiting in the church calendar year. When we reflect upon waiting, in and of itself, we are often barraged by negative reactions in our minds of the places we find ourselves in the inescapable grips of having to wait. At the doctor's office. Caught in snarled traffic. Endless lines at grocery and department store check outs.
We grow frustrated. Angry, even. We feel our blood pressure waxing and our patience waning. On the commercial side of these holidays, we can be tempted to exude none of the good tidings and great joy the season promises with every carol and bell resounding over the store's speakers.
But Advent signals another type of waiting altogether. This is waiting with a purpose. A holy purpose. The heavenly promise fulfilled that night in a lowly stable. The promise that Jesus, the Lord and Savior of all, will return one day to redeem the entire world, once and for all.
This time, we're not having to wait; we are wanting to wait.
With joy and eager anticipation of His coming again. Establishing our hearts, making ample room for Him to feel welcomed and adored.
I do hope and pray, during this wondrous season of watching and waiting, that each of you will do so with patience and expectation, knowing that the best gift ever given is close at hand. And let the joy of Jesus, the Light of the World, to shine through to others, even and especially when you find yourself in a having-to-wait situation.
Amen!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteYes, Advent is a very special time in anticipation of Christ's Birth.
Most people skip this important part and dive straight from Thanksgiving into the so–called Christmas Season. Even that is fake with all the commercial things at the forefront.
May people get renewed awakened to the real reason!
Hugs,
Mariette
Amen to that, Mariette! We all need to appreciate the days leading up to Christmas and celebrate each moment that we watch and wait.
DeleteLove and blessings!
💞
DeleteThank you!
DeleteFor me, Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation of WHO has come and WHO will come. I cannot help but reflect on the birth of Christ and at the same time ponder the future return of Jesus. We anticipate and wait. Good thoughts Martha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill, for your thoughtful comment here. We are right to hold both thoughts in our heads as the day of Christmas draws closer. May you enjoy every moment of preparing Him room.
DeleteLove and blessings!
We wait in expectation of the joy that's coming.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Glynn! Our joy and light is definitely on the way.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautifully said Martha, Season'sGreetibgs-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Christine for stopping by today.
DeleteLove and blessings!
May Jesus’ light shine in all we say and do. Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly, Diana.
DeleteLove and blessings!
HEEELP ... I was here this morning. Now I'm in a Spam folder and I don't like Spam.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Martha.
And I've had trouble accessing my Spam folder, so forgive me here, Victor. So glad you tried again!
DeleteLove and blessings!
In these days of instant gratification, this is such a timely message. Patience and Expectation -- I love that!
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty as charged, Myra, for not always being patient, but I'm learning to be more so, just as Jesus would have us do. Instant gratification is not a helpful or healthful thing for most of us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen! Thank you, Martha. Love and blessings to you of a hope-filled waiting and watching and resting in the joy of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful Advent wishes you have expressed here, Trudy.
DeleteLove and blessings!
We're like kids waiting for their daddy to come home, and feeling happy anticipation for what's to come!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, you have described that perfectly! I have vivid memories of being so excited when my father walked in the door after a long day at work.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This is so well-written, Martha Jane. Waiting patiently is a choice. We need to choose to be at peace in the waiting. We do want His kingdom to come, His will to be done -- which includes waiting for all of those who have yet to choose salvation through Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does involve patient waiting, Barbara. Like you, I do not want anyone to perish before finding Jesus, the Lord.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Well said, Martha. Thank you for reminding us of the anticipation that should be filling us as we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. xo
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome, Terri. That's what Advent is all about.
DeleteLove and blessings!