I became a dad for the first time this year. At one of the earliest doctors’ appointments we had the due date set for this precious arrival, and so, for nine months we waited.
At times waiting was all we could do. We couldn’t force it. We couldn’t make it happen any faster.
As we waited, we made preparations for this new addition to the family. We shared the good news with family and friends. We cleared space in our flat. We attended ante-natal classes to learn all we could. We researched the kind of equipment we’d need to keep this baby healthy, and we got our hospital bag ready. We were not passive in our waiting.
As we passed the due date in our diaries our son decided to make us wait two more weeks before he appeared (a word to any expecting parents; don’t pay too much attention to the due date). Those two weeks felt like the longest two weeks of our lives. Waiting is hard.
Finally, our son was born – screaming and wriggling – and all the waiting was over.
But finally, our son was born – screaming and wriggling – and all the waiting was over.
Every year Advent reminds us of waiting in two ways. It captures a sense of the longing and preparation that God’s people experienced as they waited for the Messiah – the promised Messiah who would save them from their sins and usher in God’s kingdom. The days of Advent help us to place ourselves back into that story. They teach us that it is worth the wait.
Advent also reminds us that although Jesus has come, we do still patiently wait for the day he will return. We actively prepare ourselves as a parent prepares for the birth of a baby. We pursue godliness and keep in step with the Holy Spirit as he sanctifies us to be the ‘radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless’ that the Apostle Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5:27.
As we’ve said, waiting is hard. There will undoubtedly be suffering for God’s people while we wait (Matthew 24:9-14). There will be an increase of wickedness in the world towards the Church and many will fall away.
Advent reminds us to keep pressing on. To stand firm to the end. To be steadfast and patient as we wait for the glorious second coming of our King. The day when all the waiting will be over.
But Advent reminds us to keep pressing on. To stand firm to the end. To be steadfast and patient as we wait for the glorious second coming of our King. The day when all the waiting will be over.
We invite you to join us again this year as we count down the days of Advent. We’ve put together an Advent Calendar — every day in December a short video will be go live on our YouTube channel, social media feeds, and Website to prepare our hearts for celebrating Christmas.
There will be carols, prayers, and bible readings to enjoy. Why not make it part of your daily routine this December to open the calendar doors and watch the videos.
Have a wonderful Advent!
Zac
Join us for our Christmas Services this year…
Sunday 11 December
3:30pm – Croydon
10:30am – Wimbledon
7:00am – Wimbledon
Sunday 18 December 2022
10:30am – Southfields
10:30am – Sutton
10:30am – Wimbledon
Sunday 25 December 2022
10:30am – Wimbledon