Waiting on Advent.

I love that Jesus entered time after a long period of silence. 
The desire and the questions we feel in our times of waiting can mirror the same feelings the Jews felt waiting for the Promised One under Roman rule. 

After God had showed his hand so mightily on their ancestor's behalf in their past, they then lived with only ritual remembrance of the wonders of the past and under spiritual leaders more unconcerned with keeping up appearances than having their hearts positioned in humble service. 

Where is the redemption?
Where is the promised one?
Where is God's hand?

The answer to these was the most 

miraculous, incomprehensible, unexpected 

earth-and-eternity-changing gift.

light into darkness
hope into sick hearts

[The people who walked in darkness 

Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 KJV]

truth into confusion
grace into hopelessness

[And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 KJV]


Still, the answer didn't look like what they imagined.
God sent humble, selfless strength and love. 
A sword, not made of bronze, but of truth.

As we are in waiting, in periods of quiet-in hope-waiting on advent (or 'coming'), we must remind ourselves that God exists beyond the limits of time as we know it. 

This is freeing to meditate on as we live so consumed, relegated, restricted by time. 

Contrary to human eyes, God's plan to redeem His people by sending Jesus from eternity into our time, was not delayed or held back or thwarted. 

So, during this season, in whatever you're waiting for, know this:

The answer doesn't come on our time table. 
Nor look like what we expected, but we can take heart-no matter what season. Because, the baby who entered into time & cried breaking the silence, 
was born to break chains. 

He has overcome the world. 

[I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT]