“Advent is the season when we remember together the anticipation of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men and that very first Christmas. We tell and retell this story because, in it, we connect ourselves to that first waiting as we wait for the return of our Lord.

“Now, however, is the time of the enemy. But his time will not last. His end is sure, even as Christ's victory over death is also sure. And we're in the middle space, witnesses to God's victory in Christ and participants in Christ's suffering, that we may share in the resurrection.

“And so we wait with great expectation. With Advent, we light candles to make our way through this current space where hope lives, but evil is all around. We do not wait in total darkness, for we know our Lord is the light of the world. And we stand looking at the horizon, see the light coming, and wait.

“We wait for the sun to break across the dark sky. Isaiah 9: 2-7 reads,

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

“And so we wait for God to act, watching with great expectations. He who promised is faithful.” From Youversion

(Adapted from a message by Lynn Cohick.)