A Devotion for the Second Week of Advent

What are you Waiting For?

“God will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the older order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4)

Advent is a season of waiting.  Typically we think of waiting for the coming birth of Jesus, which we celebrate at Christmas.  But Advent is about waiting for so much more than that.  During Advent, we wait for the coming Kingdom of God.  We wait, we hope, we pray, in anticipation of that great and glorious day when Christ returns and true peace reigns in the world.  We wait for the day when God wipes every tear from our eyes – when crying and mourning and pain will be no more.

Last week, I experienced an “Advent moment” – a glimpse of everything we’re waiting for.  I was at “The Neighborhood Table,” the community supper hosted by our congregation in Sharpsburg.  At one point during the meal, I stood and looked over the crowd. 

At one table I saw a member of our congregation eating with an elderly women who often has no one with whom to share a meal.  At another table, I saw a deaf man talking with another member of our congregation through sign language.  At another table, I saw six middle schoolers eating what may have been the only hot supper they’ll have this week.  Across the room I saw old people, young people, rich people, poor people, white people, black people – all laughing, eating, sharing, and enjoying each other.

There was an energy in the room – a spirit of unity and peace.  When the meal was over people didn't want to leave.  Even after the kitchen was cleaned up people continued to linger, talking and enjoying fellowship.

I believe I was witnessing a glimpse of what we’re waiting for.  It was a taste of the Kingdom of God breaking out right there, among us.  That’s what Advent is about.  Advent isn't about waiting for presents or for a few days off to see family.  Advent is about actively waiting, looking, praying for the coming Kingdom of God.  And when we get a glimpse of the Kingdom, Advent invites us to rejoice, for God is with us!