There is more than one way to interpret the word “wait.” The photo above shows you a waitress who is “waiting” on a table.
Some waiting is defined by an expectation of something or someone to come… like a good friend.
Other waiting is short-term, self-imposed, self-defined… …. like waiting for your food to digest before that next meal or dessert after a huge Thanksgiving dinner!
Today is the first day of Advent. As a Christian, that means we have 40 days of waiting.
The season of Advent lasts through Christmas Eve. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last or fourth Sunday of Advent. In Eastern Orthodox churches, which use the Julian calendar, Advent begins earlier, on November 15, and lasts 40 days, rather than 4 weeks.
40 days of waiting for the coming of the Christ Child … waiting for Christmas.
The word “Advent” stems from the Latin word adventus, which literally means “coming” or “arrival.” Our sermon at my church this morning dealt with this topic of waiting… waiting for that special arrival.
Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds spoke about a children’s book (I think it was a Dr. Seuss) that depicted a “waiting place” as a “useless place” but she encouraged us to view waiting differently.
She asked us what we do when we are waiting. Some people find something to read. Others play on their phones or engage in conversation with a friend. Some write letters or cards or they reach out to help a neighbor. Spend the waiting time productively.
I wrote this conclusion as I listened:
There is a lot we can do while we wait. Think about the good things we can do. Gracious God, help us make waiting useful. Let’s fill it with good things for me and You.
We can live during this time of waiting With love and hope in our heart. We have control over our actions. We can spread peace – today’s the day to start.
Ready? Begin!
Psalms 27:13-14 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. Have a wonderful season of Advent.
Love and hugs to you!
Make your waiting a time of love and compassion! Reach out today!
Thank you, Sue… even in our short wait at a stop light or a train crossing, we can use the waiting time for positive thoughts and plans and prayers rather than being impatient and frustrated! I bet you do that!
Comments on: "Waiting" (6)
Loved the analogy of waiting Jan. Loved that Cat…. And so loved your Conclusion, as you listened to Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds.
Yes there is so much we can do… while we wait… Much love dear Jan. <3
Thank you, Sue… even in our short wait at a stop light or a train crossing, we can use the waiting time for positive thoughts and plans and prayers rather than being impatient and frustrated! I bet you do that!
Agreed… Breathe in love… exhale peace.. <3
A very sound post – once again Mary Grace has an interesting perspective. You know what I waited for for nearly forty years
Yes, {{{Derrick}}}, I know what you waited for – and thank God that you did… and you two are able to enjoy your Golden Years together!! <3 <3
Many thanks, Jan XX