THOUGHTS, December 17, 2020

"and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." I Thessalonians 1:10

Advent means to wait.  We are between the waitings, waiting for the promised Messiah and waiting for Him to come again.  One assures us of the other.  This verse describes Him as "His Son from heaven."  That's His home.  His birthright.  His Father.  He has promised to prepare a place for us that where He is we may be also.  That's a promise.

Mary waited nine months.  I'm sure Mary who surely was in labor those last miles riding on a donkey to reach Bethlehem was anxiously waiting to arrive somewhere, anywhere.  All of creation has been waiting as well as seen in Romans 8:19, 22.

"For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God...For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now."

In the turmoil of our world, I pray like those under Roman oppression when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, "Hosannah!" a cry which means "God save us!"  He is our Redeemer, the Conqueror, our Savior  who will deliver us from the wrath to come.  This is a season of waiting, perhaps even groaning, but a fulfillment has been promised.

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.  From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.  Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou are; Dear Desire of ev'ry nation, Joy of ev'ry longing heart.  Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.  By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne."