Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1
My sister explained why she couldn’t tell what she wished for: “If you tell, it won’t come true. The power of wishes is in the wanting and waiting, not in the telling!”
What wonderful wishes those birthday ones were! Show ponies and shiny bicycles. Seldom did any of these dreams materialize exactly the way we planned, but our spirits were undaunted. There was always next year’s birthday cake—with even more candles to wish on!
But hope is more difficult in the adult world. I find myself impatient when my prayers aren’t answered quickly or exactly as I wanted. I become trapped in concrete realities that frustrate and paralyze me. I forget the power of wanting and waiting.
What better time than Advent to stretch toward unseen realities that await us, to truly believe in the substance of the invisible? I’m going to hope—for family health and safe trips. For a chance to help someone. For parking spots. For a white Christmas. For world peace.
Heavenly father, we can see the progress of Mary and Joseph as they journeyed toward the most blessed event in the history of the world. Now, as once more we approach the day of your son’s birth, help us feel the holiness of this time. Help us honor the spirit of your wondrous gift to us in Bethlehem: love.
