Advent Day 5: Anticipate/Await

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Mark 13:24-37
John 1:1-4
Isaiah 64:1-9



“Let Christ into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.”
― Max Lucado, Celebrating Christmas with Jesus






Waiting for More Than the 25th
by Rev. Emily
Especially during the season of Advent, we’re supposed to pray for Jesus to come back....but I confess that I don’t usually pray that prayer unless I’m face-to-face with something really difficult and out of my control. I don’t realize how much we need the fullness of God’s kingdom until I’m directly standing in deep grief or injustice. It’s these moments that make Advent (the waiting in Advent) real for me. This reflection (part prayer, part journal) came from one of those times last December:

It's Advent, so we're supposed to hurt a little.
We're supposed to look with eagerness towards the coming of our Savior.
But it just plain aches when you know someone who is desperately sinking in the midst of addiction.
...and their partner can't carry the struggle
because they don't have any more trust to lose.

And it's awful when folk come to the church broken and beaten by life
...when pregnant mothers lose their jobs, but still have four kids to feed
...when women who make JUST enough to pay the rent can't pay the other bills
(and don't qualify for aid because they aren't technically homeless)
I can't fix it.
I can't heal it.
God, it hurts to even touch it!

In my heart, the words of Habakkuk echo:
How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.

And God (still) answers:
"Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
Maranatha, Lord Jesus. Maranatha
(Come quickly, Lord. Come quickly)
This world still needs you to save it.
("Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley, sung by Christ Nockels)

Tomorrow’s word: Hope →

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