Advent is a season rich with meaning—a time for us to embrace the tension between the promise of God’s kingdom and its full realization. This time of year invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare. In a culture that prizes instant gratification, the art of waiting can feel counterintuitive. Yet, waiting well is not only essential to Advent but also transformative to our spiritual journey.
The Land Between Promise and Fulfillment
“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Life often feels like a series of waits. Perhaps you’ve waited in a line on Black Friday or camped out for a grand opening. These experiences can feel like exercises in frustration—a kind of self-imposed torture. But God’s waiting works differently. He uses it to shape us, building patience, resilience and faith. Waiting well is about trusting the process and the One who holds time itself in His hands.
Why Does God Ask Us to Wait?
Developing Patience: Waiting refines our ability to remain steadfast without becoming overwhelmed.
Building Resilience: It strengthens us to face disappointments and bounce back with renewed hope.
Encouraging Reflection: Waiting creates space for deep focus, helping us examine our hearts and align with God’s will.
Fostering Trust: In uncertainty, waiting invites us to surrender control and deepen our faith in God’s promises.
Advent reminds us that there is purpose in the pause. Grounded in the rich traditions of Scripture, it becomes a season to actively anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises. In the waiting, we align ourselves with a rhythm that is countercultural, choosing stillness and focus over chaos and distraction.
We put the brakes on asking why and looking for quick fixes. Instead we ask growth-oriented questions such as What are you teaching me, Lord? What are you preparing me for? What’s your invitation here?
Practical Steps for Waiting Well
Waiting well is not passive; it’s an active engagement with God and His promises. Here are some ways to make this Advent season meaningful:
Slow Down: Resist the urge to rush. Create moments of stillness to reflect on God’s presence.
Spend Less: Focus on what truly matters, shifting your attention from material gifts to spiritual blessings.
Give More: Offer your time, love, and resources to those in need.
Create Space: Say no to distractions so you can say yes to meaningful moments with God and others.
Prioritize Relationships: Invest in time with loved ones, deepening connections that reflect Christ’s love.
Release and Receive: Let go of control and allow God’s promises to unfold in His timing.
Reflect and Anticipate: Meditate on the hope we have in Christ and the promise of His second coming.
This Advent season may our waiting be intentional, filled with hope and trust in God’s perfect timing. Let us wait well by finding purpose in the pause.
—Tim
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