Isaiah 41:17
The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
Advent is a season of hopeful anticipation. The church created this season centuries ago to prepare for the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. It's a season to reflect on our weakness and need for a savior in our lives. Centuries before Jesus was born the Israelites were crying out to God for the promised Messiah. Prophets proclaimed that one would come. Today's reading from Isaiah reminds the people that, despite all of the pain and suffering of this life, that hope is coming and coming soon. The promise is that their prayers would not be forsaken. The problem as always, is that we don't know when that will be. We don't know the time nor the hour, therefore we must pray for strength and courage to let our fears go and turn our lives over to God. That's what this Advent is for...to reflect on our lives and how often we let God work in our lives. Think about this today: Do you "let go and let God," or do you try to control things?Hop If you do the latter, it will only lead to stress. Advent should not be stressful. Open your heart to the hope of the coming of Jesus into your life today!
