Praying and Waiting for Christmas: A 7 Day Advent DevotionalSýnishorn

Praying and Waiting

God has a marvelous future for our troubled planet, and He put it in motion with the birth of His Son. “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:10). As we gather to celebrate Christmas, perhaps with loved ones who don’t know Jesus, I hope Charlie’s story will encourage you to never stop praying for them:

Growing up, my husband Ken and his best friend Charlie did everything together. When Ken’s dad took him fishing and camping, Charlie came, too. Those trips became more meaningful after Charlie’s father died.

When he was 14, Charlie gave his life to Christ. His youth leader challenged him to commit to pray every day for a special person who didn’t know the Lord. Charlie chose Ken’s dad.

Dad was a quiet man who worked as a master woodcarver all his life. His parents divorced when he was young, and being poor, he didn’t fit in or feel welcome at church. He left school after eighth grade and worked to support his mother and sister. Even after he married and had a family, Dad never felt comfortable enough or good enough to attend church. He was a wonderful, loving father, but he never said a word about faith in Jesus.

It’s difficult to find a way to talk to family members about our need for Christ. We get together at holidays, and we long to lead them to Jesus—and just can’t find the words to do it. The years pass, and we hope for a better time, an easier way to say what’s on our heart. Too often, the end comes before we have a chance.

Charlie faithfully prayed for Ken’s dad every day, even after he moved to a different city and lost touch with Ken. He continued to pray, wondering if his prayers were ever answered. Before Dad died at age 82, he went into the hospital. Charlie’s mother happened to work there, and remembering Dad from their days as neighbors, she went to visit him. She asked how he was, and Dad said, “I’ve given my life to Jesus. I’m at peace.” Charlie’s prayers had been answered!

This story challenges me to faithfully pray, no matter how long it takes, even if I never know if those prayers are answered. In the story of the lost sheep, Jesus tells us that God rejoices when one lost sheep is found. “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14). As you celebrate Christmas, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).