Matthew 3:1-3 – In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" (NIV)
In preparing for our journey to Florida this year, we have continually been interrupted by one thing or another, to the point where I have said to the Lord, "Why?"
We have been "on hold", so to speak, for some time! Our car had a recall: there was a problem with the airbags. Since the warning light has come on more than once, it was decided that when the car went in for an oil change and general service, the airbags would be inspected. The report showed them to be "defective": they could deploy without giving any warning.
We have sat patiently for just over two weeks. I say "patiently" with some reservations. Without getting into any more detail, the parts came through and are finally being replaced. Why the delay?
As we wait, I have had a little more time to think of the Advent season that is upon us. I pondered its meaning. The purple candles on the first, second and fourth Sundays represent repentance. It is the preparation of getting ready for Christmas. Better put, it is the time spent preparing ourselves for the birth of Christ — taking the time to think over the obstacles that stand in the way of our relationship with God. How might we repent and prepare as we enter into this season? It is not only the coming of Christ but also our coming in repentance to God, asking forgiveness for our sins. We are called to prepare not only our minds, but also our hearts, for the coming of this season and the eventual coming of Christ.
We could compare our waiting for the replacing of a defective part in our car to our Lord waiting upon us to remove the defective parts in us. Though we are not perfect, we can ask Him to help us to prepare our hearts and become like the ones He would have us to be, while we wait to be made new in Christ.
Prayer: May we have patience in waiting upon You. Renew in us a right spirit. In this season of Advent, prepare our minds and our hearts for Your coming. May we be made whole in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.
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