Confession time. Sometimes I can’t help but question, it’s
God’s timing - His calendar –especially because I’m so diligent about mine. It seems like my life is dictated by my
calendar to the point where I’d curl up into a ball and cry without it. My dependence gets even worse during the busy
times of the year, especially the holiday season. I need to know what’s going on each day, and
even each hour.
I need to plan. I need to be
ready. The stress behind these constant events, plans, appointments,
activities, and you-name-its can be crushing.
These are just the day to day things too. There are so many long term hopes, goals, and
fears that are in the back of my mind on top of everything. I ask God to “give us each day our daily
bread”, for God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers,
even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to
realize this and receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
The problem is that, at least for
me, He never seems to be willing to mark my calendar for me regarding WHEN
He’ll answer me with His help. I’m sure
I’m not alone in secretly being frustrated that God won’t work according to my
calendar and my timing. He won’t even
let me know WHEN He’s planning on working.
And if I’m going to be really honest with myself, sometimes I even
secretly fear the IF: IF He’s planning on helping me at all. Those frustrations and fears only grow over
time, especially on those things I’ve been praying about for months and even
years.
Advent answers these frustrations
and fears. Advent is the season of
waiting. The word advent literally
The blessing of this season is that we are
waiting for things that have already happened. Jesus has already taken on human
flesh, and He has died upon the cross for you.
When He said “it is finished” He meant it. Your sins are forgiven, and
you are guaranteed the Crown of life.
Your judgment day has come and gone, and it was proven Easter
morning. Christ rose from the dead! We
are promised that same resurrection on the Last Day!
God has already done everything
for you, and while we may not know the exact date He will return in glory, we
are absolutely sure of our future. Every last prayer to God for help, for
answers, for life and salvation find their power in that moment when Christ
breathed His last for you. It is
finished.
This reminder couldn't come at a
better time. This season we seem busier
than ever getting everything ready, but you are not alone in your frustrations,
fear, and need. Christ has been made flesh. He has died. Now we wait to
celebrate birth, and we also wait for the end, but at all times He is with us.
Christ has come to us in Word and
Sacrament. He is with us in His Word, in the waters of Holy Baptism which
clothe you in the robes of heaven each and every day, and He is with us in His
very body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins. In the midst of all of your fears and
frustrations, you are not alone. He is Immanuel. God with us.
This season of advent we celebrate all these truths with faithful hearts full of the joy of knowing that we don’t need a calendar for God. We are always ready because He has sent His Son and even His Helper to be with us daily. Whatever struggles you face, you are not alone. God is not only working now to help you. He has already worked. Praise to His name this season! Come, Lord Jesus.
