The Third Advent Candle

This Sunday the third candle on the advent wreath is lit.  Christmas is drawing closer - and so is the second coming of our Savior.

The history of salvation - past. current, and future - is essentially waiting and fulfillment.  Israel waiting for the first coming of the Messiah, and the comments of those who greeted the Christ child are full of prophetic fulfillment.  As Christians at this point in salvific history, we draw confidence from that fulfillment as we now wait for the second coming of the Messiah and the completion of God's salvation plan.  Advent is a microcosm of that waiting and hope.  Taking time to meditate on God's fulfillment of His promises can encourage our souls as we wait and hope on the Lord.

Lamentations 3:19-26

Remember my affliction and my wandering,
          the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers
         And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
         Therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
         For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
         Great is Your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
         "Therefore I have hope in Him."
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
         To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
         For the salvation of the LORD.