Mark 13:31-32Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
My father-in-law counted cars. He counted cars when he was waiting for someone to come to his house. In the days before cell phones there was no way to know the exact time when a guest would arrive for a visit. So Jug Palmer counted cars and hoped that the next car would bring the anxiously awaited visitor.
Now when Jug counted, he counted with hope. My father-in-law counted cars when a family member or friends promised to come. He lived in the hope that the visitor would arrive. What he did not know, however, was the precise moment of arrival. Jug counted cars and hoped that the next car was the promised one.
I remember going to Marie’s home feeling the welcome of someone waiting for us whit hope fulfilled. It was always a blessing to know that he was waiting and expecting us. In the car Marie and I would often smile when we thought of someone prepared, ready, and waiting to receive us with open arms and an open heart.During this season of Advent we are encouraged to live in hope and expectation that Jesus is coming. He came long ago to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Let us count the moments and hours as we wait with eager expectation for Christ to come again in our hearts.
And you might want to try counting cars as you wait for your guests this Advent and Christmas Season. It helps the excitement build.
Prayer: God of all times, give us faith to live in hope of your coming into our lives this Christmas season. Give us patience to wait with eager expectation of your coming. Amen.
Rev. John Williams
Advent 2008