Sunday, December 3, 2023
Isaiah 63:16-64:8
Psalm 80:1-7,
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:32-37
‘O God of peace, who taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength” (Book of Alternative Services, p. 554).
‘You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1)
I once waited hours in hopeful determination to meet Leonard Nimoy. I was alone and found myself reflecting on my waiting. I have followed all things Star Trek since 1966. I realized that Star Trek has informed my spiritual growth. Deep within me there is an associated image of a journey (or trek) where faith in kindness, justice, equity and belief in possibilities come to life. In faith I know a confidence and trust filled journey in waiting. In Advent, waiting is our ritual of participating in the anticipation, meaning and preparation for the birth of Jesus. What does it mean to wait? I know I have waited in lines at stores and bus stops when I have felt frustrated or annoyed or both. I have waited to heal from ills, spiritually and physically, lamenting my need for God’s loving presence. Like the psalmist in psalm 80, strength and gifts come through my prayerful lament. There is a spiritual assurance in the desire to reach out. The confidence of hope is not about the answer but about Love holding us and the Holy Spirit nudging us forward. Faith, waiting in hope, restores us for our journey together.
Joanne Davies
