Matthew 11:2-11

One of the hardest of most human activities is to wait. All of us are waiting for something or someone in life:

• There are people waiting for love
• There are people waiting for the much-needed break
• There are people who are waiting for their plans and dreams to come true
• There are people who are waiting for a loved one to come home
• There are people who are waiting for healing
• There are people who are waiting for money

We are all waiting. 

In the Gospel of Matthew, John was waiting for Jesus. Yet, because God’s ways are not man’s ways, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?” John was expecting a Messiah who used power, violence, and people. Jesus instead used love, hope, and joy. The blind regained their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead rose, and the poor had the good news proclaimed to them.

Yesterday was the 3^rd Sunday of Advent and this is the week of Joy. Three things we can do to wait with joy:

1. Wait in prayer. In the Christmas story, there was the story of Simeon and Anna. They waited for the Messiah and they were overjoyed when they saw Jesus. Whatever we are waiting for, pray unceasingly as God answers all our prayers in his perfect time, wisdom, and plan. 
   
2.  Wait with faithfulness. Life goes on even while we are waiting. The challenge is to continue to bring hope, joy and blessings to others even while we are waiting. The Lord loves a generous giver. We can continue to be faithful to our mission and share the time, talent, and treasure that God has lent us. 
   
3. Wait with wisdom. Everything has a proper time. There are things that you cannot rush. While waiting, continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and experience. When the proper time comes you will be ready. 

May we always find joy regardless of how long the wait is, regardless of the circumstances of life we find ourselves in, and regardless of how hard the burdens are. Joy is an inside job.