For many families, a favorite tradition starting in early December is the Advent calendar. Ours is a Christmas tree banner with felt ornaments, one for each day until Christmas Eve. It helps us wait with anticipation for the big event.


Is there a “big event” you’re waiting for? Over the years, you may have prayed faithfully that God would heal a marriage or bring about justice or return a wayward family member. Unlike the Advent calendar, you have waited long periods of time without knowing the end date. Sometimes it feels like we could endure the wait more patiently if we just knew how long it would last. If only we had a grown-up Advent calendar!


One reason our waiting is often wearisome is because we tend to put our hope in an event-a situation to be resolved, a healing to happen, a heart to change. But our true hope is in a Person, Jesus. When we wait in hope for an event, our hearts grow anxious and unsettled. But when we wait in hope for the Lord, our hearts rejoice and rest in Him.