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Reflections by the Artist
S. Jewell S. McGhee 12-5-10
We are all familiar with waiting. Every child has cried over the cookie they are not yet allowed to eat. Every student has counted down the days until a break. Every employee has watched the calendar until pay day.
Waiting reminds us that we are not in control. We are most helpless to do the things we most long for. We long to control the destiny of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We long for stability. We long for the next stage. We long for peace in our relationships. We long for all that is good.
Advent is a time to notice our longings.
Our greatest frustration is that we are powerless. We cannot even lift our eyes to seek the light. Our greatest encouragement should be that God is not counting on our power. God sheds his light on our downcast faces.
Since the garden, humanity has had to look forward in faith, waiting for the promised day when our relationship with God could once again be renewed and made right. In Advent we are reminded that God has fulfilled his promises. A Messiah was sent; a king and a sacrifice. That Messiah is coming again, to right the injustices in our world and in our hearts.
We know there is also joy to be found in anticipation. We watch as gifts fill in the space beneath the Christmas tree. Anticipation is mysterious, exciting. Joy builds. Joy multiplies when we know our father, our Heavenly Father gives good gifts to his children.
Waiting reminds us that we are not in control. We are most helpless to do the things we most long for. We long to control the destiny of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We long for stability. We long for the next stage. We long for peace in our relationships. We long for all that is good.
Advent is a time to notice our longings.
Our greatest frustration is that we are powerless. We cannot even lift our eyes to seek the light. Our greatest encouragement should be that God is not counting on our power. God sheds his light on our downcast faces.
Since the garden, humanity has had to look forward in faith, waiting for the promised day when our relationship with God could once again be renewed and made right. In Advent we are reminded that God has fulfilled his promises. A Messiah was sent; a king and a sacrifice. That Messiah is coming again, to right the injustices in our world and in our hearts.
We know there is also joy to be found in anticipation. We watch as gifts fill in the space beneath the Christmas tree. Anticipation is mysterious, exciting. Joy builds. Joy multiplies when we know our father, our Heavenly Father gives good gifts to his children.
