the waiting

advent.

counting down to christmas is kind of special.  in a connected-to-the-past sort of way, and a connected-to-the-future kind of way. 

the hebrew people did - waiting for the Messiah.

mary did, and joseph - waiting for Jesus' birth.

believers have long been waiting on the Lord. 

david did.  over and over, he knew what it was to wait.  and he encourages those waiting:  be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! -psalm 31:24

but what to do in the waiting?  when weariness overtakes, and the Lord seems far away and we wonder if He will ever come?

what mary did.

praise Him.

so when you're singing your carols all advent long, rejoice!  rejoice!  He is coming.  He is coming.

shout for joy in the Lord. (ps 33:1)