Journeying Through AdventSample

Are We There Yet?

"Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near!” ~James 5: 8

As a child, I remember taking long road trips with my parents and sister to visit family in a faraway state. The trips were long, and it was painful to see the same scenery again and again. The toys we took offered few distractions, and it was hard for my sister and me to be patient and not pester one another. After passing what appeared to be a familiar landmark, inevitably my sister or I would ask, “Are we there yet?” Each time, one of our parents would answer, “Soon, but not yet.”

Decades later, when my wife and I started taking our children on long road trips, I began to appreciate not only the scenery, but also my parents’ patience years ago as our children asked us constantly, “Are we there yet?” to which we answered, “Soon, but not yet.”

The Season of Advent, with its themes of hope, faith, joy, peace, and the life of Christ, makes me think fondly of these road trips because each of these themes was always present, albeit in a differing amount at different times. Road trips, like Advent, remind us of where we have been in the past and think ahead about what we might see when we arrive. Advent reminds us of a time when the Israelites were waiting for their Savior, and it reminds us that we are waiting for the time when He comes back again!

Are we there yet?

Soon, but not yet.

What should we do while we wait?

James 5:7-11 tells us we are blessed if we do the opposite of what children do on road trips: we are to “be patient” and “not grumble against one another.” With help and inspiration from the Prince of Peace Himself, Jesus, who “is compassionate and merciful,” we should make peace with one another before our trip on earth is over.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you so much for being patient, compassionate, and merciful with us. Please help us do the same with everyone around us until that glorious day when You return. Amen.

Written by Vincent Stallsworth (Wesley Seminary Master of Divinity student)