The Time of Waiting

December 22nd 2024. Today, as I write, is the last Sunday in Advent. Advent is a season unknown to the Retail industry as it focuses on Christmas almost as soon as Summer is ended. The same is true of the Entertainment industry as Radio and TV bombard us with Carols and Christmas pop songs. Mercifully, we dont have all-year round Christmas stores as they have in the USA (as far as I am aware).

Sadly many Christians have little understanding of Advent, either. Not all churches use Advent hymns in the run-up to Christmas, so by the time Christmas Day is over the congregation is heartily sick of carols. I recall suggesting to one of my churches that we celebrate the coming of the Wise Men a week or two after Christmas (as it is widely believed that the Magi visited a lttle while after the Shepherds). But a Sunday School teacher suggested everyone needed to move on! Advent is the time of waiting for the Messiah’s coming; and Christians’ current hope for the final Return (or Second Coming) of Christ is referred to as the Second Advent, about which Jesus and Apostles alike warned Christians to be ready for.

Waiting for God is a common theme in the Old and New Testaments. King David (Pss 40:1; 130:5), Jesus and the Disciples (Acts 1:4-5) and Paul and all believers (Rom. 8:19-23; 1 Thess 1:10) are most noteable. Of special relevance is the incident a few days after Jesus’ birth when he was brought by his parents to the Temple, and was seen by two aged believers – Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38). Long-time living in the Scriptures and under the Spirit’s power, they immediately knew they were looking at Messiah, for whom they had been patiently……..Waiting. They both rejoiced, prophesied and testified to all within earshot. Their example of going about their important ministries as they waited is pertinent, and of all faithful servants, such as Mary & Joseph, then John the Baptist.

For Ingria and me, called to the ministry of Healing in Jesus’ Name, there is a growing conviction – shared with Ministers with whom we are in partnership – that 2025 will be the time when the prophesies over our lives will be fulfilled and the ministry will blossom. In the meantime we wait, anticipating (an important word) that coming season by going about offering healing prayer whenever the opportunity arises.

God enrich your remaining time of Advent, then bless your Christmas and bring you a Hope-filled New Year.