Not Finished Yet - I Am a Work In Progress - Be Patient With Me

Advent … for some it means nothing, for others means a lot. While we are in a great anticipation for the upcoming Christmas, advent is more than that. Advent reminds us that in the darkest times there is HOPE. Before Jesus came, the world was in a deep spiritual darkness and when God’s people cried out God did sent His son. It seemed for a long time; it seemed that God doesn’t hear their prayers … but God was preparing a way for his people. As we remember the first coming of Christ, we out to keep our eyes and thoughts on Jesus’ second coming. We live in a constant Advent time.

We celebrate advent in our family. Every year four weeks before Christmas I set up the candles. And every Sunday we light a new candle. But four years ago, the meaning of advent totally changed. It became really personal.

It was the second Advent Sunday. The Sunday after my baby daughter’s funeral.

My husband and the boys left for church and I was home alone, in physical and emotional pain. The world around me seemed dark and life was meaningless. As parents we weren’t made to say good bye to our children. I remember I wished that I had a nightmare, and I hoped that I will woke up realizing it was only a bad dream … but it was the most painful reality a parent can face.

I remember looking at the candles and thinking …what’s for? I have been expecting to spend the Christmas with our newest family addition. I had plans. I picked the clothes for the Christmas family picture, I planned the family dinners. Now all my plans and dreams were broke into pieces on the floor of the painful reality … the reality is that my little daughter is dead, the reality was that we just had her funeral a day before. As I looked at the candles I knew I suppose to light the second candle, but I couldn’t do it. I broke down and cried. There seemed to be no hope and while I was crying and praying to God … I choose to trust him anyways. I stood up from my knees, and with broken heart and tears in my eyes, I picked up the lighter and lit the second candle. It was one of the hardest things I did.

In the midst of pain, in the midst of brokenness, in the darkest time of my life I choose to trust God, I lit the candle of hope. I believed that God is in control and he is making a way; even if it makes no sense now, even if I don’t see the light at the end of tunnel … there is hope for those who put their hope in God.

I don’t know what your expectations for this Christmas are. I don’t know what circumstances you are facing right now. I don’t know what dreams os yours are broken and what seems hopeless. But I want you to remember this: There is HOPE with God.

Before Jesus came, this world seemed hopeless. We had no chance to have a relationship with God. Yet God in those dark years made a way, he prepared a way … the best way, the only possible way – so you and I today can be confident that in the midst of most difficult circumstances and hardships there is HOPE.

And Jesus is coming back again. He is not late as many think. He is making a way. He is at work and preparing the last details. He is coming back. And while you are getting ready to celebrate His first coming, please remember and be ready for his second coming.

Do you celebrate Advent in your family? If yes, would you share how? If no, how do you prepare for the Christmas celebration? If there is anything in your life right now, that seems hopeless please share and I will pray for you.