There is a distinct difference between waiting and apathy, hope and cynicism. Throughout the Bible, the motif of waiting, expressed most beautifully in the Psalms: “My soul waits for the Lord, more than they who watch for the morning.” “Wait for the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, for the Lord.”

The season of advent so beautifully illustrates the biblical idea of waiting because of the pent-up expectation of Christmas. In fact, it’s so easy to get more and more excited about the coming holiday the more carols we hear, lights we see, and treats we bake. Advent season flies because the waiting and celebration have become one and the same.

Likewise, the entire Christian life is one of expectation and waiting. While the wait is often hard, arduous, and even painful at times (in fact, Romans 1 says the entire creation is groaning along with us), we have the certain expectation that our longings will be fulfilled in the return of Christ. The certainty we have gives us reason to rejoice and celebrate even now, for just as advent celebrates the certainty of Christmas, so our present relationship with Christ offers us but a sweet taste of the rich feast of His love and presence that is to come.

Rejoice, sisters, for you do not live in a Narnia of “always winter but never Christmas.” Our King is returning. It is certain. And that gives us cause to rejoice, even in the ardor of the wait.