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All Earth Is Hopeful – ELW #266
We first saw Jesus a baby in a crib.
This same Lord Jesus today has come to live in our world;
He is present, in neighbors we see our Jesus is with us, and ever sets us free.

James 5:7-8 “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”


Patience as we wait. What a concept!! Do farmers really wait patiently? When they look at clear skies in the midst of a drought, are they really patient? I do not want to question or doubt farmers. What they do is amazing! Year after year, day by day, they are living out faith—so many things they cannot control.

This year has been a year like no other. There have been many opportunities to practice patience. I don’t know about you, but I can’t say I have gotten better at this. So how do we wait patiently? Perhaps a shift of focus from daily worries and challenges, to verse 8 : ‘ Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near”. Advent, the season of waiting—but not just waiting. Advent is also the season of Hope!

Gracious Lord, in this time of waiting help us remember your promises.
As we wait, guide us to pray
As we wait, lead us to serve
As we wait, remind us to hope “for the coming of the Lord is near”. Amen.