Just like today, Jesus entered a dark world. A troubled, unjust time when people were held captive and oppressed. Advent is a moment to create space to remember why Jesus came and how His arrival changed everything! We also make room for the anticipation of Christ’s return.
Yet, we often find ourselves stuck in the in-between. Between what is and what could be. We get caught up in the waiting... Maybe you’re between jobs or dealing with a broken relationship, missing someone you love, or feeling overwhelmed by injustice. You’re waiting for healing. You’re yearning for peace.
During Advent, we find ourselves in an uncomfortable waiting space where our hearts long for a time when everything is made right, and incompleteness is fulfilled. It’s often called the “already but not yet” season of waiting. This tension is key in biblical teachings about the Kingdom of God, Salvation, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, as seen in Romans 8:18-30. Paul reminds us that our sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.
Waiting isn’t just a waste of time. It’s during the waiting that God often does the most amazing transformations in our lives. Throughout the Bible, we see figures like Elijah, Abraham, Noah, Moses, and many others going through long periods of trusting God while they waited for promises to be fulfilled. God’s grace finds us in our waiting. He anchors us in the promise of glory so that He can shape us into hopeful individuals as we wait. Paul mentions this in Romans 8:18, saying, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." God is often doing something miraculous in our waiting and His glory is to be revealed to us! Hold on to the promise of glory.
For those who are in Christ, waiting doesn’t lead to despair but to joy!!!! It holds the promise that one day, sorrow will transform into a joy that exceeds our wildest dreams! Paul wraps up Romans 8 by reminding us that God plants His grand purpose into every moment of our waiting. His divine plan starts with His love and culminates in His glory!
As we wait and long for Christ to come again, we celebrate His first coming. It is a time to enjoy the wonder of His birth. To take time to appreciate the blessings surrounding us. To enjoy time with family and friends, indulge in festive food, and soak in the Christmas lights and music. But it’s more than just that – it’s a time to prepare! A time to hope!
Blessing: May God’s grace meet you in your waiting. May He anchor you in the promise of glory so that He can transform you into a person of hope as you wait with eager anticipation for the coming of Christ!