Nov 28, 2003 4 min read

The Rev. Alexander Jalso Scripture reading: Luke 3:l-9. Text: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5.

Let us begin the Advent season not only according to the calendar, but also spiritually as it is befitting to wait for Christ’s arrival.

WAIT – EXPECT – PREPARE

All the three actions are mentioned in the Bible:

WAIT…: “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; WAIT till the Lord comes.” 1 Corinthians 4:5

EXPECT.: “John the Baptist sent us to you (Jesus) to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we EXPECT someone else?'” Luke 7:20.

PREPARE: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘PREPARE the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” Luke 3:4.

What are the major differences among these three actions: to wait, expect, and prepare? Waiting is usually inactive, passive, and needs patience. To expect means: your hopes are high, you know something might or will happen but you do not know the details. Just think of an expecting mother. And when you start to prepare you will be busy, active, and excited.

In the Advent season we should do all the three simultaneously; wait, expect, and prepare. But unfortunately our past experiences influence us and we cannot be as enthusiastic and active as we should be during Advent because the way our waiting, expectation, and preparation ended in one of the four possibilities;

WHEN WE RECEIVED MORE THAN EXPECTED.

Most people will say: from tough luck yes but not from fortune. And if somebody is lucky enough to be successful usually this is his or her philosophy; I deserve it, I have worked for it.

Who and which administration can guarantee that everybody will receive more than he or she expects to get? Will this utopian situation ever come?

WHEN WE RECEIVED AS MUCH AS EXPECTED.

Let us narrow the circle to a happy and harmonious family where the parents are working and the children are adolescents. The parents are willing to do everything for their kids, and the youngsters honor and respect their father and mother. In this ideal situation is it possible to offer exactly the same help or gift what the members of the next generation are eager to enjoy? (College education, car…)

But why do not we expand the circle and count all of our blessings and not only those gifts that were purchased and paid for? What about love, kindness, understanding, patience, forgiveness, compassion, which may last longer than a new car.

WHEN WE RECEIVED LESS THAN EXPECTED.

Welcome to the millions. The overwhelming majority is convinced that they belong to that group which is mistreated, shortchanged, and unappreciated. But at this point is it possible to be objective? Have we been faithful over the little and thankful for the small? “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” Matthew 25:21.

Can this statement be applied in our case?

WHEN WE RECEIVED SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN EXPECTED.

This is where the Advent message becomes personal; God is asking us: what we wish to receive and what we need are the same? What we work for and what deepens our faith are the same? What makes us happy and what glorifies him are the same?

Are our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs always identical?

Think of the gifts under the Christmas tree and the GIFT in the manger! Please be mindful what our Lord had said: “Give us today our daily bread” Matthew 6:l1, and also: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

Let the clear distinctions among these concepts help us to start this Advent season; how do we wait, expect, and prepare? And what do we wish to receive, what do we really need, what makes us better Christians, and what praises the Lord?

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.