The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Waiting

As one of six children, I grew up in a very loving home. It was filled with faith, traditions and chaos. Many of my fond memories are of Christmas. The oldest had a room to himself. Each Christmas morning, in the wee hours of the morning, we would all gather in his room with anticipation of our Christmas morning. We would giggle, and run into our folk’s room telling them it was time to get up! My dad set strict times and told us to go back to bed. For us young kids, the waiting was painful, but there was joy in the morning, at the given time.

This has been a tumultuous year for many. For my family alone, the passing of Emily, estrangement, and mental health issues of other family members. Add to it, the pandemic, and all the feelings that come with isolation and change. However, there is joy that comes if we patiently wait, if we anticipate answered prayers according to His will and promises.

In this time of advent, in anticipation of Christmas, Isaiah 61 reminds us why Jesus was sent to us in the first place. As I reflect back on this year, I see His promises fulfilled, but I had to wait. I know Emily is in the presence of Jesus and out of pain. Although, it wasn’t what we wanted, it was God’s will. As we mourned, we comforted one another. Waiting for comfort, it has come, but ….I had to wait.. I saw darkness leave a trouble dmarriage and healing began. But….I had to wait.  I found beauty in a healing estrangement. But….I had to wait. And what joy it has been to reflect back and see God’s grace and love through it all. It is because He sent Jesus to live among us. Find joy in the waiting.

Sue Carney

Receive email notifications of the Advent devotional post.