´óÏó´«Ã½

Good morning. Many years ago, when my children were very young, my parents were coming from America for a visit. We waited until a few days before they were to arrive before we told the children. They were very excited. Later in the day, I found my four year old son had climbed into the bay window at the front of the house and was intently looking down the road.Ìý When I asked what he was doing, he replied I am waiting for Grand-mama and Grand-daddy. I tried to explain that it would still be a few days before they arrived, but he was adamant. He was waiting.ÌýÌý
Ìý
Advent, that period which in the church includes the four Sundays before Christmas, has been described as a season of waiting.Ìý Christian faith teaches that it is the time when we are not only looking toward the celebration of the coming of Christ as a baby, but we also long for the time when Christ will come again.Ìý Christians believe that on that day God will put right what is wrong in the world.Ìý It will be a time when there is no more sin, sorrow or sighing.Ìý This is the day that is celebrated in the wordsÌýÌý
Ìý
Joy to the World, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Ìý
We do not know when this day will be, but Christians believe that it will come unexpectedly and that we are to be prepared…daily watching, looking intently for the coming of God and striving for it, too.ÌýÌý As we pray for the kingdom to come, we also work for reconciliation and peace and seek to reach out to those in need.ÌýÌýÌý

Prayer: We thank you God that you are with us now and that you have promised that the day will come when your love will be victorious. Help us to watch and wait and long for that day. AmenÌý