Romans 8:18-25 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.  For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Advent is the season of expectantly waiting.  We reflect on the words of the prophets and consider what it was for the people of God to wait for their coming Messiah.  We reflect on the Gospel and consider what it is for us to wait for Messiah in our own lives.  Now let us consider that we are still waiting, for while we have been freed from the guilt of our sin, our world still bears the weight of the curse.  Every day we are confronted with the sinfulness of man, the brokenness of creation and together we groan for the fulfillment of freedom and redemption.  Ever more expectantly, we wait.

Isaiah 65:17-19, 24-25 – “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for gladness.  I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people’ and there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying.[…] It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food.  They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.

Even so, come quickly Lord.