​Wait, the New Four Letter Word

This month I will be posting a daily devotional for Advent, Starting Sunday, December 3rd (The First Sunday of Advent).  These devotionals are from my book THE ADVENT OF JESUS (You can purchase the book or Kindle version from the link to the right).  Until then, I will post some devotions pertaining to Advent...

In 1971, Carly Simon wrote her Billboard topping single “Anticipation.”  It was a song about the uncertainty of a relationship where those involved had no idea of what would happen next.  The chorus goes, “Anticipation is making me wait.  Is keeping me waiting.”  Carly speaks of the tension and frustrations of waiting.  In 1979, the Heinz Ketchup company adopted this song for their television commercials.  The song would play in the background as the thick bright red ketchup slowly poured out of the bottle.  The tag line was, “The taste worth the wait.” 

We live in an extremely fast paced world.  We wonder, is anything really worth the wait?  Why should we wait?  We live in an instant gratification period of history.  There is no need to go to the store anymore to buy items like books, movies, or music.  We have the technology where we can download them from the comfort of our own couches.  There is no need to cook dinner; just go to any restaurant and they will make your dinner for you in a matter of minutes.
People don’t like to wait; well, at least I don’t like to wait.  I lose my patience while waiting in line at the store.  I yell at people who are driving slowly from the safety of my car.  I complain whenever I have to wait.

Then I am reminded of Advent.  Advent is a time dedicated to waiting.  Contrary to popular thought, Advent is not a countdown to Christmas.  It is, as Timothy Paul Jones writes, “The proclamation of the sufficiency of Christ through the discipline of waiting.”  Yeah, waiting is definitely a discipline for me.  I have fallen into the trap of busyness and instant gratification.  I don’t like the words “anticipation,” “patience,” and “wait.”  But, this is what Advent is all about.  It’s about waiting, preparing, and anticipating. 

I would like to invite you, this Advent season, to join me in learning the discipline of waiting.  Join with me as we prepare and long for the coming of King Jesus.  Let us celebrate as we proclaim His first Advent as God Himself came to this world as a human, dwelt among us, and showed us the way to His Kingdom.  Let us prepare as we anticipate His Second Advent when He will return in full glory to establish His Kingdom here on earth for all eternity.  
​