I’ve never been very good at waiting. As a child, my parents eventually stopped buying me Advent calendars. Why? Because I would sneakily pry open the top of the box, eat the chocolate, and reseal it, only to be met with disappointment each time I opened a door and found nothing inside.
Advent is a season of waiting, but as Christians our waiting is never empty. Life is often marked by longings that seem unmet, prayers that seem unanswered, and stories that feel unfinished. Yet Advent invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, and to look forward with hope to the promises yet to be fulfilled.
From the very beginning of Luke’s Gospel, the story of Christ’s coming unfolds like a song playlist prepared by God himself.
Mary’s Magnificat is the first Advent song (Luke 1:46–55). After hearing the astonishing news that she will bear the Son of God, her heart overflows: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Although she doesn’t know the whole story, she rejoices and trusts in God’s faithfulness. Her song points us back to God’s promises and forward to the Saviour who fulfils them.
On the night of Jesus’ birth, the heavens themselves could not stay quiet. The angels burst into the Gloria (Luke 2:13–14), proclaiming peace to a weary world. Their joyful song reminds us that Christmas is good news meant to be shared, not kept to ourselves.
Finally, when Simeon held the infant Christ after a lifetime of longing, he sang the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32) “My eyes have seen your salvation.” Simeon’s patient faith was an act of hope-filled obedience. The child in his arms was both a promise fulfilled and a promise yet to come, the King who will one day return to make all things new.
Advent is a season of reflection, but also of response
Advent is a season of reflection, but also of response. Mary, the angels, and Simeon respond to God with praise that overflows with trust, hope, joy, and obedience. Advent invites us to do the same, to worship the God who has come near, and to bear witness to the hope we have that Christ will come again. Our waiting should not be silent or passive; it should overflow with praise and proclamation because we know the character of the One we wait for. So what can we do as we wait during this Advent?
Firstly, we can spend time in God’s Word. Use an Advent devotional or explore digital recommendations on our YouVersion page to guide your reflections.
Secondly, we can pray for opportunities to invite others to our Christmas services, so they too can hear the peace and promise the Christmas story offers.
Thirdly, we can gather as God’s people at our Christmas services and events to joyfully worship Emmanuel, God with us.
This Advent season, may we wait with wonder and adore Christ, the newborn King, our Saviour and Lord.
