Watching and Waiting
Today begins Advent. The season in which we celebrate the first coming of Christ, and in which we focus on the waiting with expectant hope of His second coming. I am always deeply grateful for the sacred rhythms. On the one hand, there is feasting and fellowship with friends and family, and on the other hand a profound sense of pregnant watchfulness.
Waiting with anticipation and sure expectation is one of the exquisite luxuries of life in Christ. Why? Because He makes promises. And all His promises are yes and amen. (2 Corinthians 1:20) In John 14:3, He tells His disciples, “…I will come again and receive you to Myself….” Yes, He is surely coming again.
What does that mean right now? How do I live my life with eager expectancy of His return? I must be about the Father’s business in my daily life, looking for Jesus. Not just wondering if He’ll show up, but believing, really believing, that He already has. I’m looking for His nature and character. I’m looking for the ones He’s drawing to Himself. I’m looking for any and every opportunity to say, “See? There He is. Isn’t He wonderful?!”
Not only am I looking for Him in this life, but I am waiting with all of creation for Him to return to judge the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:1) And that means I must attend to my relationship with Him in all seriousness, loving Him fearlessly and obeying His commands. And, I must be ready to give an account of myself before Him. (Romans 14:12) “…as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” (1 Peter 1:15, 21-23)
While we wait, the times may be dark and turbulent, but rejoice dear one and fear not, for He is the light of the world. Let the waiting produce in you that which is essential for sustaining you through the Winter so that life will burst forth in the Spring.
Until next week, dear one, stay alert and look eagerly for His appearing.