Like the people who heard the prophets, century after century, proclaim God’s promise of a redeemer, we wait in joyful hope. Like Mary, waiting for her baby to be born, we wait in joyful hope. Like Jesus’ first followers, waiting for him to restore the kingdom, we wait in joyful hope.
God’s people were waiting for a warrior king who would overthrow the oppressors. They wanted a glorious king! But God surprised the waiting world by bringing forth a humble king, born in a stable, not a royal palace; laid in a manger, not a silken crib; crowned with thorns, not gold and jewels.
That’s how our Savior, Jesus Christ, came to us the first time. Now we wait in joyful hope for the promised second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are not to sit idly by, waiting for that second coming. Read Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55, where Mary describes God’s vision for the world. How can we prepare the way for Jesus’ return? How can we help others prepare? How will God surprise us this time?
This message is excerpted from “We wait in joyful hope” by Audrey Novak Riley from the December 13, 2021, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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