Waiting...
Advent is a season of waiting. The word itself means “coming,” and let’s be honest—most of us aren’t great at waiting. Whether it’s waiting in traffic, for coffee to brew, or for Netflix to connect, we’re quick to get impatient. But Advent invites us to slow down, to embrace the wait, and to remember that some things are worth it.
I’ve been thinking a lot about waiting lately. More than 25 years ago, Leigh-Ann and I did the long-distance thing. We lived for those rare times when we could see each other face to face. I can still feel the anticipation as each visit got closer.
Advent carries a similar anticipation—but on a much grander scale. Isaiah, the prophet we’ll journey with this Advent, spoke words of hope to a weary people. He told of a child to be born, a Son given to us (Isaiah 9:6), who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Can you imagine the hope that brought to people who were desperate for good news? It’s the kind of hope we still need today.
And just like I counted down those days to see Leigh-Ann or waited eagerly for our girls to come home, we can wait with joy for the day when all will be made right. We can also wait with joy for services on Sunday ?. The church is decorated for Christmas, we will start our family Advent readings and our first sermon in the series will be from Isaiah 7:14 and 9:1-7.
I’ve been thinking a lot about waiting lately. More than 25 years ago, Leigh-Ann and I did the long-distance thing. We lived for those rare times when we could see each other face to face. I can still feel the anticipation as each visit got closer.
This past week, we experienced that kind of waiting again. Alexa was in Florida, and Sophia was in “the ‘Burg” as they like to call it and they both came home for Thanksgiving. We gathered with family and friends, enjoyed great food (I was thankful for my stretchy jeans), shared reasons for gratitude, played pickleball, watched football, and ended the evening with more food and games. Our time of waiting was over.
Advent carries a similar anticipation—but on a much grander scale. Isaiah, the prophet we’ll journey with this Advent, spoke words of hope to a weary people. He told of a child to be born, a Son given to us (Isaiah 9:6), who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Can you imagine the hope that brought to people who were desperate for good news? It’s the kind of hope we still need today.
Isaiah 7:14 tells us, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (which means God with us). Think about that—God with us. Not distant, not disconnected, but here in the mess, in the brokenness, offering hope.
So, as we enter this Advent season, let’s lean into the anticipation. Sure, we’ll still have our holiday hustle and hassles but let’s not miss the deeper hope. Jesus is coming, and He is the hope our broken world needs. He is the one who will usher in a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more waiting for joy, no more brokenness, only peace.
And just like I counted down those days to see Leigh-Ann or waited eagerly for our girls to come home, we can wait with joy for the day when all will be made right. We can also wait with joy for services on Sunday ?. The church is decorated for Christmas, we will start our family Advent readings and our first sermon in the series will be from Isaiah 7:14 and 9:1-7.
I sure hope to see you Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.
Have a great day and Go Chiefs,
Troy
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