The prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow… even angels long to look into these things. 1 Pet. 1:10-12
Heavenly Father, it’s the first Sunday of Advent 2020. I can’t remember a year when I’ve more looked forward to lingering in the promises of the Gospel, bellowing great songs of hope, and pondering the glories of Jesus’ two comings.
The grace-promises about the Messiah stretched the imagination, and ignited joy in your prophets. They were filled with awe, as they pondered the things you “signed on for” with the arrival of Jesus. Even your angels ache with anticipation and waiting.
2020 has been a year of intense waiting—waiting for the pandemic to be over, waiting for a safe vaccine, waiting for election results. Oh blessed Father, during this particular Advent, help us reconnect our waiting to our deepest longings, greatest need, and Gospel-promises. We too easily settle for relief, when you promise so much more.
In Jesus, you have given us a Messiah who suffered for our sins, rose to rid the world of evil, and fill all creation with your glory, In the coming weeks of Advent, take us by the hand and heart, and show us these things again. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ most wonderful name.
