Wait and Hurry

December 7 Sunday the Second Week

ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11; 2PETER 3:8-14; MARK 1:1-8

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

Wait and Hurry

Advent is conscious waiting. What are you consciously waiting for?

Isaiah says, “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed. All people shall see it together.” Peter promises: “a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” What is holding this back?

“The Lord is not slow about his promise, but is patient, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” For Christ to return, we have to convert the world!

Peter says we are both “waiting for and hastening” the “coming of the day of God… While you are waiting, strive…”

Mark says it too: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” To empower you, Jesus “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” But you have to act.

The “one line” mystery of Christianity is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 12:22). What gives hope is Christ in us. His “daily life” on earth is to act with, in and through everything we do to inspire change –  in minds, hearts, attitudes, values, policies, social structures.

So what are you waiting for?

Peter says, to “hasten the coming, strive to be found by him at peace.” Live, speak, act in a way that shows “righteousness” is already “at home” in you. Bear witness. Give hope.

Pray and Practice: 

Say all day, “Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this through me.”