Christmas Time Is Here

I absolutely love this time of year. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever met anyone that doesn't.

After enjoying a very nice Thanksgiving, I'm ready to begin preparing for all that will take place through out December and the New Year. This year, I am using some Advent devotionals from an online source. It appears as though each day will end with a question or thought that will lead to a practical application.

Yesterday's theme was waiting. That is a very common, yet unpopular word for those of us in America. No one wants to wait for anything. Whether it be a ride an amusement park, a parking place, or something major like the birth of a child. We are bent on having our way and having it now.

I am no different. I tend to be a patient person when it comes to day to day circumstances that require waiting. My tendency toward impatience shows up when I am forced to wait for the long run things that are simply out of my control. It drives me crazy not knowing exactly what the next year will hold. I can sometimes get overwhelmed not knowing where I will be or what I will be doing.

So, I must wait. In my waiting, I must also work. As I continue to abide in Christ EACH DAY, the long run "waiting" takes care of itself. In fact, waiting becomes something so wonderful and beautiful because it is so much more than sitting in an easy chair eating bon bons waiting for life to happen.

I have learned that in our waiting, life is happening. We must be about the business God has for us today and trust Him to bring us to and through tomorrow.

I have seen that this time next year, I'll still be waiting. I do not know exactly what I'll be waiting for, but I can trust that as I continue to work my life will be part of God's bigger work of building His Kingdom.

I pray that this time next year, no matter what I'm waiting for, my mind will still be set on the prize of being known by God and being made to be more like Jesus.

May your waiting be passed with much working. May it be wonderful and beautiful simply because it is a testimony to you abiding in Christ.