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

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.

Psalm 72:18-19

Think

Advent is an invitation to ask, “What am I waiting for?” That’s a harder question than it might seem. December is a time to prepare for the end of the semester, tests, grades, and time off. We wait for a break. We wait for Christmas gifts. But who is this God-baby we’re waiting for? Is this a God of judgment or shame? Is this a God who will shine a bright light on my sinfulness or a God who will turn away in disgust? This God we wait for, will I sing for joy and jump in excitement upon God’s arrival or will I hide? Worst of all, this highly anticipated God, what if it’s all disappointing?

Do you believe this God will bring justice, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, free the prisoners, release those held trapped by hate, poverty, or fear? Knowing what you’re waiting for not only affects the way you wait, but your response when it arrives. Who are you waiting for?

Erika Funk

Pray

God of waiting, be revealed in these days. Teach me active waiting and hopeful anticipation. 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.