This Advent season we are "entering the songs" of Luke's gospel. Last Sunday we looked at Mary's song (Luke 1:39-56). This Sunday we will look at the first part of Zechariah's song (Luke 1:67-75). Next we will look at the second part of Zechariah's song (Luke 1:76-80) and Simeon's song (Luke 2:25-33).

By "entering" these songs, we enter into the waiting and the anticipation of God's people as they await the birth of Jesus just as we await Jesus' return. We learn from their waiting. We identify with their longing. We observe God acting to fulfill His promises for His people and our eyes are opened to the wonder of God.

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According to my girls, Advent really started yesterday. At least that's when Advent became "real." Yesterday, after supper, they got to start their Advent calendars. They are nothing special ... I think they are from the dollar store ... but they serve as a daily reminder for them that Advent is here.

In our house, Advent calendars mark a time of great anticipation. Vivian can hardly contain herself; she starts talking about the Advent calendar when she wakes up in the morning. Phoebe wants to make sure we don't forget that we get to open them after supper. It's a lot of hype for a little piece of chocolate.

But I think (each in their own way) they really understand that these Advent calendars aren't just about the chocolate and the treat behind each little door. They understand that each day this little treat is a taste of the celebration that we are all waiting for -- the birth of Jesus, our Saviour. These calendars help them see that the wait can take a while, and they teach them that waiting, and waiting well, is important. We can't just jump ahead ... there's something about the wait, something about the anticipation that makes the celebration (of Jesus' birth) that much better.

As we hear Zechariah's song the next two weeks, and Simeon's song the Sunday before Christmas; as we light the Advent candles; as we sing our Advent hymns we enter into this time of waiting. And the anticipation is building.

We know that the wait is almost over ... God shows us He is faithful to His promises.

We know that the wait is almost over ... Christmas is coming.

We know that the wait is almost over ... Jesus will come again.

We know that the wait is almost over ... so we wait and we pray, "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!"