Sometimes I feel pressured to look at my phone. In certain social settings where I find myself waiting, such as a doctor’s office or check-out line, it seems socially awkward to just wait without looking at my phone. It’s almost as if people expect you to pull it out to pass the time, even if only for a few minutes. When you don’t give in to this social expectation, people feel uncomfortable and look at you like a psychopath. If I’m feeling ornery, I’ll keep looking around until someone else looks up from their phone. I’ll meet eyes with them and smile, at which point they are convinced I’m definitely a psychopath. Other times, I cave to the social pressure and look at my phone even when I don’t have anything to check.

I don’t think humans have ever been good at waiting, but it seems these days we are exceptionally terrible at it. We are so uncomfortable waiting that we always busy ourselves with something.

However, Scripture teaches us that, as believers, as long as we are on this earth we are waiting:

"But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:23–25).

Advent

Throughout history, Christians have referred to the time leading up to Christmas as “Advent.” The word advent simply means "coming" or "arrival." During this special time, believers focus on Christ by looking back at his first coming while also waiting in anticipation for his second coming. It's a season where we remind ourselves that we are waiting.

We are waiting because we are not home; we are strangers and pilgrims here. Throughout our busy life we often forget this, but then something happens that reminds us. We see the news reports of shootings, corruption, wars, etc., and we feel that sting in our gut that reminds us this isn't home. We see humans spewing hateful words to one another and are reminded that this world is cursed by sin, so we long for home. We glimpse into our own heart and still see the desires of the flesh that wage war against God, and we long to go where sin no longer dwells.

A Glorious Morn

We hope for the return of Christ and have such a great hope because of his first coming. Long ago, in the obscure town of Bethlehem, Hope entered the world. Or, as it’s stated in one of my favorite Christmas songs:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth; A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

A new and glorious morn! Hope for the sinner accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ! God himself put on flesh, dwelt among us, and defeated the power of sin and death. In the first coming of Christ, we see the power of God, his ability to keep his promises, and the price God was willing to pay to accomplish salvation for his people.

So, as we look back this season, we also look forward to the time when Christ comes back for his bride. The redeemed groan with a longing to be where there is no more suffering, no more sin, and no more death. We are waiting with anticipation.

Active Waiting

However, our waiting isn’t a passive, stare-at-your-phone to quickly pass the time kind of waiting. No, we are active and busy serving our Lord by the power of the Spirit.

Luke 12:35-37 tells us to be prepared as we wait for our Lord:

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.

Our waiting is active rather than passive. Since our life is a vapor, we want to use each moment the Lord gives us to bring glory to his name so others can see his goodness.

Preparing Our Hearts This Christmas Season

Leading up to Christmas can be an extremely busy time. We have Christmas parties to attend, trips to plan, and presents to buy. It's easy for December to fly by without us taking much time to focus our hearts on Christ. May we take heed to another favorite Christmas song:

Oh come all ye faithful…Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels. Oh come let us adore Him, Oh Come let us adore Him Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Amongst all the busyness…let us not forget to behold Christ our Lord! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season keep you from being intentional about focusing your heart on Christ.

Practical Ways to Keep Our Focus

Many churches use the Advent season to help people focus their hearts on Christ. Some may preach through Advent topics each week leading up to Christmas. Others light Advent candles or add special Advent Bible readings to the service.

Advent devotionals can be a helpful tool for individuals and families. If you have children, there are many devotionals geared toward families that include songs, crafts, and questions related to the Bible passage. There are many devotionals geared toward adults as well. Whatever your situation, make your home a place that intentionally focuses on Christ this Advent season.

We are all aware of the commercialization of Christmas in our culture. We will be bombarded with ads and messages that could easily focus our hearts on material things that distract us from the true meaning of the season. Let us make sure to diligently fight our flesh by keeping our focus on what matters most. Rather than “just getting by” this season, let it be a time of spiritual growth and great joy!

Let us celebrate! Christ has come! Indeed, he is coming again!