Waiting

Three events of significant meaning will occur within the next several days.

• On Thursday, families and friends across the United States, most of whom will be off from work and school, will gather around family tables and eat stuffing, ham, turkey, pie, and various other items of delight as they celebrate Thanksgiving.
• On Sunday, people of the Jewish faith will, likewise, gather in homes to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah (The Festival of Lights - also known as the Festival of Dedication), a festival observed since before the birth of Jesus. (See John 10:22.) They recall the victory won by the Maccabees which led to the rededication of the Second Temple.
  
• Also on Sunday, the Christian tradition of Advent begins.

We observe Advent at Rabbit Creek Church. We do so in order to both recall and anticipate. Christian believers look forward to that day the Apostle Paul referred to as "the blessed hope - the glorious appearing" (Titus 2:13). On that day, the great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. While Christmas reminds us of Jesus' first arrival, Advent declares the promise of His return, His second arrival. Christmas without Advent is a reflection on an historical event alone. Advent, while allowing time to look back, draws our attention forward so that we can look forward to God coming to set all things right.

Advent provides a meaningful time for believers to wait with eager expectation. Several years ago, my pastor, Dr. Charles Wade, wrote a column in which he emphasized the value of Advent. In part he wrote . . . "I have learned that if you will put away your stuff for a while and lean into God's love and joy for you, you will grow bigger of heart and vision. Your soul will expand."

You and I gain much in regard to perspective when we learn to "put away [our] stuff for a while." The Advent season begins this coming Sunday and ends just before Christmas. Christmas is far too often given over to the acquiring of stuff. So, what better time to declutter than Advent? Yes, you can clean out a closet; but I'm really encouraging a decluttering of your schedule, mind, and soul.

---

Romans 8:22-25 (NIV)
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

#ordinarylives