Connect with usCONNECT CARD


THE WEEKLY

 
Sign up to receive The Weekly - a pastoral email on life at Calvary as we follow Jesus together.

Sign Up Here  



Click the title below for the latest article or browse the archives by month.
 

Back to Articles

The Hope of Waiting

12/7/23 | The Weekly | by Eryn Holm

    “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope”
    Psalm 130:5

    The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” Traditionally spanning four weeks, it is a period characterized by the quiet and joyful expectancy of God’s people – an anticipatory waiting for the Messiah, Jesus, to arrive.

    In this season, we not only look back in celebration to his birth, we also look forward in longing to his second coming. We have a sure hope as followers of Jesus in our waiting, that one day he will come again to reign and restore all things.

    Waiting is difficult for many people. When the end and outcome is not in sight, it does not come naturally for most of us to wait patiently and expectantly. In Scripture we see that Mary, the mother of Jesus, displays patient and affectionate waiting for something to happen even though what was about to happen did not seem natural at all. Nevertheless, God has the power to achieve something within us that surpasses our expectations. In fact, she responds to the angel Gabriel saying,

    “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
    Luke 1:38

    What trust! Mary trusted so deeply that her waiting remained open to any potential outcome.

    Waiting in this open-ended way is a profound approach to life. It means letting go of control, trusting that God is in control, and believing that something will happen to us that is far beyond what we can imagine. It’s about not trying to dictate our future, but allowing God to define and guide our journey. It’s the idea that God works in us and forms according to his love, not our fear.

    “Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
    Psalm 27:14

    You can discover more Scriptures and questions for reflective prayer in the ADVENT PRAYERS devotional guide. There will be some printed copies available this Sunday or you can download today at CalvaryLife.org/Advent. (Available in English and Spanish). May this resource help stir your heart’s affection and mind’s attention toward the coming of Jesus Christ. Our prayer as a pastoral team is that you experience more of God's hope, peace, joy and love as you seek to connect with the Lord in this Advent season leading up to Christmas.

    Warmly,
    Eryn Holm
    Spiritual Formation Pastor