Waiting is hard. I don’t like it. You don’t like it. None of us like it. But we are entering into the season of Advent, which is a season of waiting. They waited long ago for Jesus’ birth. We wait now for His return. This may feel like wasted time. It may feel pointless. But that is not so. The waiting is not wasted. Waiting, as hard as it is, teaches us to trust. Remember what we wait for. Remember who we wait on. He is faithful and true. And we can trust him, even when we have to wait.

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I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving week, filled with love, family, and way too much turkey and dressing! Thanksgiving has always been a special time for me—a pause amidst the busyness of life to simply gather with loved ones and give thanks. While it often feels overshadowed by Christmas preparations, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on gratitude.

Yesterday marked the first Sunday of Advent—a season rich with anticipation and hope. Advent invites us into a time of waiting, mirroring the centuries of longing for the Messiah’s birth. The word “Advent” itself means “coming,” and during these four weeks, we prepare our hearts in two profound ways: to celebrate Jesus’ birth and to await His return.

Waiting isn’t easy, especially in our fast-paced, instant-gratification world. But Advent reminds us that waiting is not wasted. The Jewish people waited for centuries for Christ. Today, we wait for God’s answers to prayers, for healing, for peace, or even for clarity in uncertain times. Waiting teaches us to trust—to lean into God’s promises and His timing.

The prophet Isaiah beautifully captures this hope:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7)

When we feel weary from waiting, let us remember who we are waiting on. God’s heart, His love, and His perfect plan are worth trusting. Our waiting is not wasted—it’s a sacred time where God is working, shaping, and preparing us for His greater purpose.

So, during this Advent season, as we light the candles of hope, love, joy, and peace, let us embrace the waiting. Let us look forward to the celebration of Jesus’ birth and the promise of His return.

Friends, may this Advent season draw you closer to God as you wait in hope and expectation. Have a blessed day, and we’ll pick back up with John’s Gospel tomorrow.