Grace in the Waiting

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By: Sis. Cherry Sotero

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” — Psalm 130:5

Waiting is woven into the story of Christmas. For centuries, Israel waited, longing for deliverance, clinging to promises spoken through the prophets, and wondering when God would finally break the silence. Their waiting was not passive. It was filled with yearning, prayer, and the quiet hope that one day, God would send the Messiah.

And at just the right time, He did. The first coming of our Lord Jesus became the first Christmas this world is hoping for. Jesus Christ, The Son Of God stepped into the world through a manger, wrapped in humility yet full of glory. Christmas reveals that every moment of waiting is held within God’s perfect timing. His delays are never denials. They are invitations to trust His heart when we cannot see His hand.

Today, we, too, are a waiting and watching people. As 4th Watchers we celebrate His first coming even as we anticipate His second. We are longing for the day when He will appear in radiant glory! Whilst we wait, we are placed strategically and lovingly by our Father in the Body of Christ, the Church, where we grow in our faith and anchor our hearts to  the Apostolic teachings so that we will never be misguided. 

Just as grace sustained Israel through centuries of expectation, that same grace sustains us now. Grace strengthens us when the wait feels long. Grace steadies our hearts when hope seems fragile. Grace teaches us to live with purpose, purity, and perseverance as we look for the “blessed hope” (Titus 3:15) the return of our King! 

Waiting is not wasted when it is filled with faith. This faith is strengthened through the Words  of God spoken through the lips of the sent ones of the church, especially the Apostle. Through the works of  faith God shapes us, He refines us and He reminds us that He is not slow in keeping His promises (2 Peter 3:9). Advent invites us to remember that the God who came once will surely come again.

Until that day, we wait with expectation, with courage, and with grace. 

Reflection: 

What spiritual practices can help you wait for the Lord with grace-filled expectation during this season?

Comments

3 responses to “Grace in the Waiting”

  1. Libby Lim Avatar
    Libby Lim

    Psalm 27:14
    Waiting on the Lord draws us close to Him and teaches us to be patient. David also provides another admonition in this closing verse of Psalm 27. He counsels in favor of strength and bravery, grounded in one’s trust of God.

    Reply
  2. Belle Tan Avatar
    Belle Tan

    Christmas is very much valuable,precious month for us Tan family where we found the true Salvation of our souls through Caroling 1990 .Finding Christmas really happening to most people who are waiting,seeking the truth.
    The most awaited season where people seeing them smiling with gladness and feeling the breeze of the season.
    Our endless thankfulness to HIM for adding us is HIS true Church.Praise be to GOD in Highest AMEN 🙏🏻

    Reply
  3. SF Avatar
    SF

    This powerful reflection affirms that our waiting is never in vain. Christ Himself guides us through every season, commanding us to trust His unwavering promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I will come back” (John 14:1,3). Christmas assures us that the One who came in humility will return in glory (Revelation 22:20).
    Just as the early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42), we too are strengthened and protected as we hold firmly to the truths handed down to us (2 Timothy 1:13). Through these teachings, the Church, led by the living Apostle, remains steadfast, united, and filled with confident expectation.
    Thank you for the message. It powerfully connects the Church’s waiting to God’s perfect timing, Christ’s faithful presence, and the apostles’ guiding word. It reminds us that waiting is purposeful—God uses it to refine His people, reinforce our hope, and prepare us for “the blessed hope” of His glorious return (Titus 2:13).

    Reply

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