“Good Things Come to Those Who Wait”
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death 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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Nearly everything I have ever really loved and appreciated has come to me through work, effort and waiting. When I get something easily and quickly, I don’t appreciate it nearly like I do the thing I have waited for, saved money for, longed for and anticipated. Here are a few examples:
Friends. I have friendships like many of you that have lasted decades and are immensely meaningful to me. The depth of those friendships did not happen overnight (although some friendships can be like that). The time we have spent together over the years with each person has made our relationship more meaningful than other friendships I have.
Purchases. There have been large purchases I have made over the years that I have saved up for and waited. As I purchased these items, I was thrilled and took good care of them. I don’t think I would have appreciated them quite as much if I had just charged them on my credit card.
Ordination. I am also reminded of the great work that went into not just my college and seminary educations, but also the process of ordination. The whole process for ordination took about 7 years, counting seminary and the various stages in the process. Nearing the end, I was required to submit a substantial amount of paperwork on my theology, doctrine, preaching/teaching and calling. Next, I had to defend this paperwork before a committee. And then I did it again, as the process required this for two different stages. It was arduous but worth it. My ordination is something of great meaning and value to me.
Good things come to those who wait. There is something in the value of waiting and working for something. Advent is a season of waiting. We are waiting for Christmas Day. Children are excited for school to be out and for Santa Claus to arrive bringing gifts and treasures. We get excited to give that special gift to our friend, family or sweetheart. And we look forward to all the special opportunities to celebrate the season in worship and in fellowship. We anticipate the celebration of the Christ’s birth. But in addition to all of this, we are also eagerly waiting for the return of Christ.
This season is like bookends, reminding us of Christ’s arrival over two thousand years ago and encouraging us to watch for his return. He is coming again to take us to be with him- Glory Hallelujah! This holy-season, lean in to the waiting. Embrace it. Seek out the Savior and look for his return!
Emmanuel, God-with-us, we look forward to the celebration of your first-coming while we eagerly anticipate your second-coming. This Advent and Christmas season, fill us with wonder at the joy of your arrival. Dispel our darkness and fill us with peace. Amen.
See you at church,
Pastor Michelle
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death 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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Nearly everything I have ever really loved and appreciated has come to me through work, effort and waiting. When I get something easily and quickly, I don’t appreciate it nearly like I do the thing I have waited for, saved money for, longed for and anticipated. Here are a few examples:
Friends. I have friendships like many of you that have lasted decades and are immensely meaningful to me. The depth of those friendships did not happen overnight (although some friendships can be like that). The time we have spent together over the years with each person has made our relationship more meaningful than other friendships I have.
Purchases. There have been large purchases I have made over the years that I have saved up for and waited. As I purchased these items, I was thrilled and took good care of them. I don’t think I would have appreciated them quite as much if I had just charged them on my credit card.
Ordination. I am also reminded of the great work that went into not just my college and seminary educations, but also the process of ordination. The whole process for ordination took about 7 years, counting seminary and the various stages in the process. Nearing the end, I was required to submit a substantial amount of paperwork on my theology, doctrine, preaching/teaching and calling. Next, I had to defend this paperwork before a committee. And then I did it again, as the process required this for two different stages. It was arduous but worth it. My ordination is something of great meaning and value to me.
Good things come to those who wait. There is something in the value of waiting and working for something. Advent is a season of waiting. We are waiting for Christmas Day. Children are excited for school to be out and for Santa Claus to arrive bringing gifts and treasures. We get excited to give that special gift to our friend, family or sweetheart. And we look forward to all the special opportunities to celebrate the season in worship and in fellowship. We anticipate the celebration of the Christ’s birth. But in addition to all of this, we are also eagerly waiting for the return of Christ.
This season is like bookends, reminding us of Christ’s arrival over two thousand years ago and encouraging us to watch for his return. He is coming again to take us to be with him- Glory Hallelujah! This holy-season, lean in to the waiting. Embrace it. Seek out the Savior and look for his return!
Emmanuel, God-with-us, we look forward to the celebration of your first-coming while we eagerly anticipate your second-coming. This Advent and Christmas season, fill us with wonder at the joy of your arrival. Dispel our darkness and fill us with peace. Amen.
See you at church,
Pastor Michelle
