Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
Psalm 147:7-11 NLT
sing praises to our God with a harp.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
He gives food to the wild animals
and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
or in human might.
No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Advent is a season of waiting.
We wait in grocery store lines, at stop lights, and for packages to arrive. And we fret, try to choose the fastest checkout line, rush to make the light, and pay extra for deliveries to arrive faster. We are not very good at waiting. If these everyday circumstances are experiences to help us practice, we are failing.
Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.
James 1:4 NLV
While those experiences give insight into our need for patience, waiting in this Advent season is different. Our hope is in God, in a living, active person. So how do we wait on the Lord?
Expectantly, Humbly, & Actively
We wait expectantly. Our hope is sure, steadfast, and confident even though we cannot know all that God is doing with our physical senses. We know He is at work.
As we wait, we humble ourselves in God’s presence. We submit to His Lordship, recognize His sovereignty, and rest in His timing. We know He is working out His redemptive plan.
Our waiting is not passive. Instead, we continue to share the good news of great joy; the Savior has been born. The scripture reminds us that beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! The final establishment of the kingdom of God, which was heralded by Jesus’ first coming, will be realized in His second coming.
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage, and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 AMPC
Prayer
Father,
We stand in awe of who You are
And marvel at your provision for us
Your mercy and kindness overwhelm us
We raise our heads in anticipation
As the day of your birth approaches
Give us ears to hear, eyes to see
Your work, Your deeds among us
In this season of gladness and expectation
Awaken us from our sluggish worship
From words and actions devoid of Your love
Forgive us for our wanderings and misplaced affections
May we experience Your presence in our midst
Move us to serve You with joy
Preserve us and present us blameless, Lord
We adore You and honor You
For you live and reign forever!
Amen.
A lamp in the night, a song in time of sorrow;
A great glad hope which faith can ever borrow
To gild the passing day, with the glory of the morrow,
Is the hope of the coming of the Lord.A star in the sky, a beacon bright to guide us;
An anchor sure to hold when storms betide us;
A refuge for the soul, where in quiet we may hide us,
Is the hope of the coming of the Lord.A call of command, like a trumpet clearly sounding,
To make us bold when evil is surrounding;
To stir the sluggish heart and to keep in good abounding,
Is the hope of the coming of the Lord.A word from the One to all our hearts, the dearest,
DW Whittle
A parting word to make Him aye the nearest;
Of all His precious words, the sweetest, brightest, clearest,
Is the hope of the coming of the Lord.
Beautiful words of hope in this season of light.