Advent Devotional - December 5

Galatians 5:22

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness...

REFLECTION

Patience…waiting…Usually it’s not what we prefer, is it?  From waiting for vacation, to acceptance at a school, or for that news from your medical team, we want it now.  We have microwaves for instantly hot food, and text messages for quick attention. Waiting seems to be an energy drainer as we mull over possible outcomes.  We prefer to know right away.  Yet we impatient people find ourselves again in Advent, the liturgical season focused on waiting, seemingly at odds with modern society.

It’s a learned trait to appreciate waiting, resting quietly in anticipation. It doesn’t come naturally. Advent offers the opportunity to ponder the coming of the Messiah, to step back from the noise of the season, and joyfully relish the wait. 

This summer’s sermon series “Fruit of the Spirit” explored the text of love, joy, peace, patience and more. It’s no accident that patience follows love, joy and peace. Starting with love, these characteristics build on each other. With the love of God in our hearts, joyfully and peacefully we accept and tolerate delays, even as we don’t prefer them. Let us walk gently through Advent by celebrating waiting.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, in this season of Advent, we pray that you might guide us to take time in our waiting. Bring us stillness in today’s hurriedness so we remember that manger in Bethlehem. You have promised to make the world anew with the coming of Christ.  Awaken us to that holy expectation. Amen.

About the Author

Dee Wadsworth is our Staff Gerontologist. 

Today's Act of Kindness

Write "You Are Beautiful" on a steamy bathroom mirror and watch it reappear for days (God loves writing with invisible ink!).