Hope in the Waiting

By:  Amanda Carter, MA, LPC

​Four hundred years…the time between the Old Testament and the tangible presence of Jesus in the New Testament. It is reasonable to assume at that point, people had forgotten about a promised Messiah.  And to be fair, 400 years is a really long time to wait!  Just think of the past 2 years of living in a pandemic and how you have felt with all the unanswered questions and seemingly endless waiting it has brought. I would encourage you during this season of Advent to carve out time for both reflection and anticipation.  Reflect on how you are feeling.  Is there anything you have been waiting for and perhaps even given up on ever coming to fruition?  Has this led to disappointment, discouragement, or even bitterness?  Bring all of this reflection to the One who willingly came to earth to bring hope.  Then, anticipate.  As we age, we often give up dreaming, particularly big dreams.  But Jesus’ birth shows us that he likes to bring light into darkness and awaken our dreams again.  I personally enjoy going through this practice as I look at Christmas lights.  Have you noticed that people seem to want to put up their trees and decorations earlier the past two years?  I think in part, it is because we are desperate for beauty and joy, and something about those lights reminds us of the Light of the World.  The lyrics of Matt Redman’s song, “These Christmas Lights” comes to mind-
 
“Sing again, the sacred song of
How that star lit up the sky
And how the world, lost in the darkness
Felt the hope of, Heaven’s light
Open my eyes; O heart believe
The wonder of, that Christmas night
Be born in me”
 
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!