With Hopeful Expectation

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
“The days are surely coming.” As we begin this season of Advent, anticipation fills our lives. There is much we expect, presume, or hope for. Some events have a specific time and place: Christmas dinner is at your parent’s house on Friday, December 27 at 6pm.

Some are soon, but the exact time is unknown: you need to get to the store this week to get that Keurig machine for Joan, Milani mascara for Sam, and new Airpods for Max.

And some are distant or unknown: when Jerusalem will live in safety and peace will prevail on earth.

Advent is a microcosm of our faith lives. We live in hopeful expectation of that glorious day when God’s love and peace will prevail, but we do not stay and luxuriate only in that hope. We must head out and do our work as God’s heart, hands, and voice in the world.

As Paul writes, “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:12) So we spread God’s love this Advent as we expectantly await once more the birth of the Christ child.