We have expectations, but are often met with a reality that looks much different than we hoped. The good news of Jesus Christ is this: Who he really is, the reality beyond our expectations, is very good news for us.
This advent we discover who Jesus is and what he is promised to be through stories of the Old Testament. There a promise was made and expectations began. From the Old Testament to now, we learn Jesus is much better than we expected.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, open our eyes to your light and our ears to your words of hope. Come, O long-expected Jesus. Our hope is in you. Amen.
Word: Genesis 18:10
“The Lord said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, Sarah your wife shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.”
Meditation: The Greatest Reward
Today’s meditation is written by Anna Jacob
Waiting. There’s some weight to that word. It feels heavy, burdensome. We are often waiting and with that comes a multitude of feelings. It can be hard. It can feel unending. If you do it long enough, it can feel like a cruel joke.
The mechanic tells you it will take an hour. In reality, you are there for most of the day. The plumber gives you an estimate. In reality, it is going to cost you twice as much as the quote. The doctor runs a test and you should hear back by the end of the day. In reality, the sample ships out late and you have to wait until Monday for the results.
Extra time to wait. Extra time to consider the worst case scenario. Not knowing how long you must wait feels like half the battle.
Then you are told some unexpected news. The mechanic gives you a discount for the long wait. The plumber fixes a problem that should have been impossible. The test results confirm that you will not need surgery.
Sometimes waiting can be worth it. Waiting can feel like a win.
But what do we do in the waiting? Do we take action? Do we act in faith, knowing no matter what comes next God has the best in mind? Do we rest in his promises, knowing that we cannot know everything yet trusting he does? Do we laugh? Do we despair?
Part of my morning routine involves giving my dog a few treats right before I leave. On days I have extra time, I will put those treats in a ball. I expect him to play with his treat toy while I am away. In reality, he waits until I am back home to relax and play with his toy, leaving those treats inside.
Have you ever been like that with God? He gives you an opportunity and you set it aside to be enjoyed later. You become so focused on your worries that you forget he left you something to do while you wait for him.
Waiting—a time of uncertainty, expectations, and hope. It can be difficult. Your mind can run rampant with worry, doubt, and unbelief. Too often we hold on to the burden of waiting, unable to see the joys we can find in those moments.
It can be easy to set aside God’s gifts and not use them as we await his return.
But in reality, God knows the outcome. He can carry those burdens for us. We can trust in him. He overcame the odds to bring us salvation. When we laugh and doubt, he fulfills promises. He is with us in the waiting, even when it is long. When it is tiresome. When it feels impossible. We still wait for the return of our Savior. But we know the battle is won.
So, come Lord Jesus. The world is waiting.
Dear Lord, thank you for waiting with me. You have the best in mind and will see me through the hard times. Help me to find the joy in waiting for your return. In your name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for Rest
· For physical, mental, and emotional health.
· For times of joy, delight, and leisure.
· For a Sabbath day free from work, tasks, and stress.
· For a holy time of worship.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, Heavenly Father, in this weary world, the valley of the shadow of death, grant me rest in your illuminating love and eternal life. Amen!