Today's passage:  Acts 1

So, what are you waiting for?  A job, a relationship, a new house or car, a particular success, presents under the tree this week? 

The disciples were waiting for the Helper, for the time to take action.  They were in the awkward time that exists when you have received instructions but have not received the "Go!", or "Now!"  It kind of reminds me of graduating from college.  You've got at least four years of teaching and practice, a fancy piece of paper with your name on it that qualifies you for the job, but you don't have the job --yet.  Even if you do have the job, there is still a time period of questioning, of waiting. The disciples are a great example to us in how to wait.  They were together and continually devoted to prayer.  In these days of uncertainty, we could all be more devoted to prayer.

Today, we just happen to be having our Advent service, which emphasizes another period of waiting, the time before the birth of Christ.  Just this week I heard Chuck Swindoll preach on the importance of waiting on the return of Christ. To summarize, if we live every day focused on Jesus and His return, then we will be much less bothered by temptations, worries, and materialism.  In turn, we will be ready to receive Him, His peace, His direction, and His commands. So, again, on this Sunday morning before Christmas I ask, "What are you waiting for?"