First Sunday of Advent

Waiting for the Light

Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37

by Tiffany Hollums

“But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”

—Mark 13:24–25

When we watch the news or even look around our towns, schools, and families — it can seem like the light is dim. People are sad, lonely, angry, or hopeless. Nations are fighting. Where is the hope and the light?

This is the time of year when we should slow down, watch, and wait because God is up to something! It can be so easy to lose sight of the promise in the darkness and sadness that we so frequently encounter in the wilderness — God is bringing light to this world.

God is working for those who wait, even in the dark. Mark tells us to “keep awake” and be ready for Christ’s return. This is the promise of Advent: Jesus is coming.

Find a candle or a light in your home and light it/turn it on tonight to remind you that the Light of the World is coming. Watch and wait!

Prayer: God of light, we are waiting for the true Light to come into this world. Help us to not lose sight that you are with us and you are coming!! We watch and wait with excitement and hope. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Rev. Tiffany Hollums is the new executive director of McCurdy Ministries in Espanola, New Mexico. Tiffany is a lifelong United Methodist and an ordained deacon in the New Mexico Annual Conference.  

The children’s art is from the 2023 Daily Prayer Guide.