The season of Advent begins in the church in just a few days. Advent is a time of waiting. During Advent, we are invited to wait for three things:

• We wait for Jesus to arrive in Bethlehem at Christmas.
• We wait for Jesus to return and claim his kingdom.
• We wait for Jesus to come into our hearts and heal us.

In 2011, I wrote a hymn that brings out these three images of waiting. It’s presented below.

For Centuries They’d Wait
(may be sung to the tune of “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”)

For centuries they’d wait and pray he wasn’t late
Law and prophets both foretell: Jesus Christ Emmanuel
Bridesmaids waiting for the groom, Messiah king was coming soon
Christ Emmanuel, Christ Emmanuel

We join with them and wait; we pray he isn’t late
Earth still suffers from the fall; Jesus Christ is Lord of all
Flowers for the spring will yearn, and we await the Lord’s return
Christ is Lord of all, Christ is Lord of all

Together now we wait; we pray, “Please don’t be late”
Storms may come, but fear will flee; Jesus Christ saves you and me
Christians ’round the world now say, “Our Lord will come to us today!”
Christ saves you and me, Christ saves you and me