Waiting and Hoping

Waiting and Hoping
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

I've decided to allow myself a little freedom on Saturdays to stray from the text and move towards more general Advent reflections.

Advent can be a very painful season for those of us who have long awaited children for a variety of reasons. Maybe we have been infertile. Maybe we have had miscarriages. Maybe we have ended up single far longer than we intended. For some of us, Advent reminds us not of the birth of something new, but the death of a dream or a prayer unfulfilled. Advent requires a faith and hope that are at times beyond what we can bear. During this Christmas season, looks for those who are without hope. Look for those who are struggling with unbelief. And come alongside them, just as Christ came alongside us, God incarnate, Immanuel.