As I write this, I am one week removed from another surgery. This one was much easier than any of last year’s adventures in medicine, but I still need to take it easy. I have at least one more week of waiting until I can drive, work, or exercise. I wait…for incisions to heal, for energy levels to rebound and for things to return to “normal”.
During this unexpected “gift” of stillness, I’m using and studying a scripture writing plan. It begins with the Old Testament prophesies concerning Jesus and ends with…well, the month isn’t over yet…but I wrote today of the angel appearing to Mary In Luke chapter 1 to tell her of the Messiah’s coming and her part in it.
Advent. Not just waiting, but expectant waiting. That means hope. There are promises fulfilled at the end of the waiting. The Christmas season commemorates the arrival of that hope. The Savior of the world was born as a baby. One of His names, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” He came to be one of us, to be with us, to serve us, to love us and to save us. But Christmas not only observes this most blessed event, it also celebrates that this child once born in Bethlehem is still with us now. When we believe in His power and plan to save us from our own sin and the darkness of the world, He abides within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
And the rescue story continues. Jesus came, He lives, and He is coming to earth again. When He comes the 2nd time it will be to defeat the powers of evil once and for all. It’s not an easy concept to understand, but it’s true. And it’s my hope.
He triumphed over sin and death and gives us a way to do the same by simply believing in Him. And for those who believe, we celebrate His first coming. His birth in a manger. And we wait for his 2nd coming. We wait expectantly through surgeries and pain and joy and grief and loneliness and loveliness. This world is a mixed bag, but one day He will banish tears and sorrow and sin for good. Oh praise Him!
The hymn that my heart keeps singing today is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” I sing in celebration of all my Savior has done for me, for all that He continues to do in my life today, and for all the glory I will see in his second coming. “Rejoice! Rejoice!”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”, which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 NASB
Dear Lauren, may you give yourself plenty of grace and space in this waiting room season …
Thank you, Linda. Merry Christmas.
The hope we have in him is amazing! Hope you have a lovely and restful Christmas!
Thank you, Lesley. Merry Christmas.
Here is hoping for continued healing for you, Lauren. You are in a season of “expectant waiting”. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Laurie.
Merry Christmas! Hope you heal quickly! It is always so hard to be cooped up during this busy season, but sounds like you’re making the best of it and enjoying some time in prayer and scripture!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you for the well wishes, Carrie. Merry Christmas.
Take it easy. That’s an order. One worth listening to. May you know HIm better as you rest. Happy Christmas!
Thank you, Sue. Merry Christmas.
Hope your recovery is quick and complete.
BEAUTIFUL writing!
Thank you, Debra. Merry Christmas.
I love this: “We wait expectantly through surgeries and pain and joy and grief and loneliness and loveliness.” None of these things indicate in any way that God is absent or uncaring, as people often believe. I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul words in Romans 8: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ … Shall trouble or hardship or persecution… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
That is the perfect verse to accent this post. Thank you, Helena. Merry Christmas.
“This world is a mixed bag, but one day He will banish tears and sorrow and sin for good. Oh praise Him!” AMEN! We wait with a sure hope that one day He will return! Blessings to you, Lauren! I’m your neighbor at #Let’sHaveCoffee.
Blessings to you, Gaul!
Dear Lauren, Such a beautiful post that I can empathize with. I have had a year of health issues as well. Your post brought comfort to me. Wishing you a Merry Christmas season and a peace filled new year! I’m visiting from Coffee for your Heart. <3
I’m so glad this spoke to you Kathleen. Wishing you a well new year.
Hey Lauren, glad your surgery was easier this time and pray your healing is quick.
Wonderful post, love these thoughts. “Not just waiting, but expectant waiting. That means hope. There are promises fulfilled at the end of the waiting.” Amen! Tweeted!
Thank you for the prayers and encouragement, Karen. And thank you for sharing. Happy new year!
Hi, Lauren 🙂
I am happy that your surgery was doing well at that time. I continue to pray for your recovery. I really enjoy reading your post. Meanwhile, your post was a featured one on iHeart Verse link-up party. I thought that you wanted to know. Anyway, congratulations 🙂 And have a blessed New Year!
Thank you so much Joyce. Sharing your post on the socials. And happy new year!