Day 27
Friday, December 23
Patty Dery
I love Advent. There is something about marking a season that ushers my heart toward the holy. Yet while I love the invitation to this season, if I’m honest, I find the work of the Advent season harder to do. Advent reminds us that there is hope in the waiting. First in the long-awaited birth of the Messiah and second for us now as we await his return.
There is hope in the waiting but finding hope in the waiting is no easy task. This is what draws me to Zechariah’s prophecy in today’s reading. When the angel told Zechariah of the coming birth of John, Zechariah could not see beyond his circumstances. This doubt cost Zechariah his voice until he confirmed the surprising choice of the name John instead of Zechariah for the new baby.
On my best day, I want to trust God regardless of my circumstances, but in my more authentic moments I know I am doing the math and watching it not add up. It makes me feel less alone to know that Zechariah’s confident words proclaiming that John will prepare the way for the coming Messiah were first proceeded by doubt.
In Zechariah’s song what was once doubt turns to rejoicing, and not just for Zechariah’s long-awaited child, but for the long-awaited savior. In Jesus comes forgiveness of sins, restored relationship to God and the promise of life everlasting. In our own waiting there are circumstances that will come to pass and others that will not. But the promise of Christ’s return and that one day all things will be made new rests on the unfailing promises of God. And of this we can be sure. There is hope in the waiting.
Patty lives in Arlington and is always on the hunt for the best local coffee and pastry shops.