Following the Star

Pause

Babies are born impatient. They want to be fed, comforted, and cared for immediately. And that is just as it should be.

We learn over time how to stand by, how to set our immediate needs aside - at least for a time - and wait for what we hope will come.

Learn now the patience that is necessary for your eventual good. God knows your needs, because God knows you.

Listen

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:11-12

Think

Identity theft was not a problem in John’s day, but he was insistent that people recognize him as the prophet and Jesus as the Messiah. “Don’t get us confused!” he yells. John has arguably one of the best lines of the Bible “One who is more powerful than I is coming….” But how will we know? How will we recognize God upon arrival? Scripture tells us that Christ will come again and many are sure they know when that will be. But most of us have no idea. How will we recognize the Christ? While we wait, the prophets still speak to us through God’s Word, the ever-living, ever-enlightening Word.

In this Advent season, we tend to recognize Christ in the faces of infants. We reflect on Jesus “meek and mild,” and the innocent, “no crying he makes” baby. But he also comes through the unpredictable Holy Spirit and cleansing fire. There are many ways to see Christ this season. You’ve just got to know what you’re looking for.

Erika Funk

Pray

Help me to see you Lord, as you truly are, not as I wish you to be. Help me also be one who helps others see you. Amen.

Go

We're waiting for a revolution;
Waiting for the impossible.

We're waiting for change,
For the coming of the One.

We're waiting to be told, "Yes,"
To be included.

Go with hope that,
Whatever you are waiting for,
God will answer
The prayer of your heart.