On Sunday, November 27, we begin the Advent journey, a journey that culminates in our celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ.

The first step we must take, ironically, is to simply wait. To seemingly do nothing at all and instead wait for God to make the first, game-changing move. But, according
to the scriptures, waiting is not a passive exercise. We assume a posture of openness so that we are capable of noticing God's movements in the world and in our lives.
We invite the Spirit to move within us, filling us with hopeful expectation. In this sense, waiting on the Lord requires discipline. It's hard work!

So, as the people of God, we learn how to wait...

Below are a few verses from my favorite Psalm and a devotional thought by author, Macrina Wiederkehr, to hold our hand as we learn to wait.

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my prayers! . . . I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his
word, I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning . . . O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and
with him is great power to redeem." Psalm 130

"Autumn trees ask me not to worry. They, like Jesus, suggest trust rather than worry.  So often in autumn I want to go lean my head against a tree and ask what it feels
like to lose so much, to be so empty, so detached. . .and then simply to stand and wait for God's refilling. . .It isn't easy. But it's possible." Macrina Wiederkehr

Blessings on your Advent Journey,
Pastor Andy Lewis