Watching, waiting, and doing

Historically, the commemoration of Advent (preparation for Christmas) dates back to fifth century Rome. The sermons of Leo I focused on the coming of Christ and advocated a winter fast of three days. In the sixth century, the Synod of Tours assigned three times of intensified fasting for monks: Lent, a period following Pentecost and the month of December up to Christmas. In 581, a church council instituted a fast of 40 days before Christmas to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Christ (logos.com).

While I’m aware of the need for heightened soberness and awareness as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and I understand how fasting assists us in being more focused on the gift of love granted to us through the birth or Jesus, I’m really, REALLY glad that the custom of fasting for 40 days is not a ritual we practice today.

We’re in the season of Advent, just past the second Sunday of preparation. The author of the Gospel of Mark records an admonition that Jesus delivered to His disciples on the importance of being alert to the coming of the Master:

Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'”

Mark 13:35-37

As we watch and wait during this Season of Advent, we are reminded that the prophets foretold the coming of our Lord long before the miracle of His birth in Bethlehem.

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way–a voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Mark 1:1-3

How do we prepare the way for our Lord?

John the Baptist worked to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. He reminded them:

After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7

There are many ways to prepare for the coming of our Lord. This week a friend sent me a message of hope by email. He reminded me that we are not only watching and waiting for the time we will celebrate the birth of Emmanuel (God with us), we are also watching and waiting for the presence of Jesus in our lives to be demonstrated to the world.

How does the presence of Jesus in our lives exhibit itself in our actions?

When my husband and I first started attending our church more than 35 years ago, everyone was very welcoming, but one couple really stood out. They helped us comfortably weave into the fabric of a working, service oriented church.

These two wonderful children of God were awesome role models. Their dedication exemplified faith in action as they:

• Visited the sick and hurting
• Led our food ministry
• Warmly welcomed all visitors
• Invited us to Sunday School and other events at church
• Gave us opportunities to participate (but weren’t “pushy”)
• Always worked behind the scenes to keep our church running smoothly
• Modeled humbleness and kindness
• Lived a life which showed their dedication to Christ

Living a life which shows our dedication to our Lord

For many of us, life has changed drastically during the pandemic. We may be isolated and struggling with adapting to life alone. The Bible calls for us to meet in Christian fellowship, but our health experts tell us to protect ourselves and loved ones by staying home–alone. Many churches, including mine, have moved to online services to protect parishioners from possible spread of Covid-19.

How do we cope with this change of lifestyle while still being a witness for Jesus?

Some actions we can do during this Season of Love:

• Pray, pray, and pray…
• Pray for our leaders.
• Pray for medical personnel, health care workers, and all involved in the development and implementation of an effective vaccine.
• Pray for healing for those that are sick, grieving, or exhausted from caring for others.
• Take time to call, send a card, or meet virtually with family, friends, and members of our community (especially those who live alone and may have very limited time to talk or visit with others).
• Check to see if our older neighbors need groceries or supplies. Be careful to plan non-contact delivery.
• Be aware that our every action, deed, and interaction with others demonstrates whether Jesus is the Lord of our life (or not).

As Christmas approaches, this is an ideal time for us to examine our actions–do others see us as positive role models? In spite of the stress of the season and the pandemic, do we behave with gentleness, generosity and compassion?

Do we exemplify the Fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23).

Is our light shining?

Could there be a better time (lights are everywhere in celebration of Christmas) to have the light of Jesus shine from us into others?

Wishing you safety, good health, and a joyous Season of Advent as we watch and wait for our Lord, while we live His presence in our lives as we seek to help others.

Let’s be a Light for our Lord!