Advent week 1

Today marks the first day of the new liturgical year.  I can't believe it.  We are almost at Christmas 2007.  It seems like it was just 2000 and everyone was celebrating the new millennium now here we are seven years later.  Time passes so quickly.  A man at church this morning said, "The only thing quicker than time moving is how fast money goes out of my wallet when I fill my gas tank."  Perhaps.

As I reflect on the last year, I am amazed at how I have changed.  I guess going to Africa does that to a person.  I find myself astounded at humanity's capacity to harm each other.  At the same time, I am awed at humanity's capacity to survive the most horrible atrocities.  All the more amazing is a person's ability to hope in the most dire of circumstances.  My heart is full of anticipation on this first day of Advent.  I am anticipating peace, reconciliation, and compassion.  I am hoping for the balm of a loving God to heal the broken hearted.  I am longing for my Savior to make things right in the world.  Here we are at the beginning of the liturgical year anticipating the Messiah's salvation much like those of the first century.  We are waiting , waiting on the world to change.  Even so come Lord Jesus.