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Devotional | Cindy Western | Nov 29, 2020
pregnant ˈpause/ˈsilence: a pause/silence in which everyone is waiting or listening for something, or a moment of silence which is full of meaning
When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, there was a tangible excitement as we neared her arrival. Kelsey was due January 8. Typical of Christmas celebrations, our whole family, including distant relatives, were gathered that year. I was experiencing some discomfort that increased as the day wore on. Having alerted my husband and mom to the possibility of a Christmas baby, they were watching me intently. Their attention was noticed by others and pretty soon everyone was staring at their watches, studying me for signs of pains. Kelsey was born on January 26. Yes, January. We began referring to this month as a pregnant pause. Her impending arrival affected how we lived: how far from home we would travel, ensuring a caregiver was standing by for the kids, and carrying our fully-charged Nokia cell phones at all times. We were waiting expectantly.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The word “advent” means coming or arrival. We use the four weeks of Advent as a meaningful way to remember the birth of Jesus. The need for, and promise of, a Savior was first mentioned in the Garden of Eden and was prophesied many times in the Old Testament. God’s people were told of the coming Messiah. One of those prophets was Isaiah, who said,
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel … For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders …” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6a
That was 900 years before Mary, a young virgin, conceived and gave birth to Jesus (Immanuel).
During the month between Christmas and when Kelsey actually arrived, our level of anticipation didn’t wane. The fact was, she was going to come. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when. Immanuel (God with us) was coming. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when. However, in the waiting period, some got complacent, distracted, and disillusioned; because of this, they missed Jesus altogether. But those who waited expectantly, with eager anticipation, understood this moment was merely a pregnant pause and lived their lives prepared to receive him. Rewarded for their diligence, they recognized the signs and witnessed the birth of their Savior. As result, they received the hope, peace, joy, and love only the long-awaited Messiah could bring.
cwestern@crossings.church
How are you at waiting? Do you think you would have continued believing the promised Messiah would arrive any moment, or would you have become complacent?
Jesus has told us he will come again and that we should be ready. What does this look like for you?
Pray for God to soften hearts of those who don’t yet know him, and ask him to put one or two (or more) in your path so you can share the hopeful, saving news with them.