"And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him, the Gentiles will hope.' May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:12-13 (NIV)
Do you like waiting? I don't know about you, but that’s one answer I can give without hesitation: No. From waiting to hear back on test results to driving, waiting in line at a store, or moving from one phase of life to the next, I think most of us would agree it’s not a pleasant experience. But what if this waiting, this moment of pause, calm, and stillness, was meant to teach us something? What if it was meant to stir something good within?
In Romans 15:12-13, we’re told that a root of Jesse would rise and fill the people with hope. This root, that is, a descendant of David, Jesus Christ, would give the people of their time (and ours) hope for today, tomorrow, and forever. But this season wouldn’t come without waiting, anticipation, and preparation.
There’s a reason JJ Heller’s version of Welcome to Our World pens these words: “Tears are falling, hearts are breaking. How we need to hear from God. You've been promised, we've been waiting. Welcome holy child. Welcome holy child. Hope that you don't mind our manager. How I wish we could have known. But long-awaited, Holy stranger. Make yourself at home. Please make yourself at home.”
Every year, children are waiting for presents, parents are waiting for change, and families are waiting for hope. But what if this season, we set our sights on an eternal anticipation? One full of wonder and hope? The season of advent is one we as Christians should carry with us year-round. Why? The season of Advent reminds us of two things:
1. The best things in life take time.
2. The best things in life are unexpected.
When we think about Jesus’ entrance into this world, it took time. The people of the Old Testament waited and waited for His arrival. After His death and resurrection in the New Testament, we find ourselves waiting again. But we’re not waiting without hope or cause. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is not slow in keeping His promises to us. In fact, it’s just the opposite. His waiting is because of His hope for everyone to be saved.
Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection were also unexpected. Everyone wanted a powerful King to come and rule them, but instead, God sent Jesus as a baby born in a manger. He still held the power and authority of God over mankind, but it was restrained in love. Nothing about His life was how others anticipated it, but it was all for our good and His glory.
As we continue this Advent season, a season of waiting for Jesus’ birth and the big day of Christmas, let us remember what matters most. Let us look to the One who makes all the waiting worth it. For if we’re in a relationship with Him, we have everything we need.
Consider these simple steps you can take to keep the focus on Jesus this Advent Season: -Complete a Bible Reading Plan and Devotional with your spouse. My husband and I paired a lovely devotional and reading from Hannah Brencher with one from SOLA ministries. -Choose an organization to volunteer or serve with over the holidays (and year-round if you're feeling extra festive). This year, my husband and I were also blessed with the opportunity to serve at a local homeless shelter during Thanksgiving. We'd like to partner with them in the future and continue this service. -Celebrate Advent in your family with a tradition or activity you can look forward to every year. Growing up, my family would read a Scripture every day leading up to Christmas, and each day corresponded with a special treat or activity. I encourage you to seek out a plan that works for you and your family.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
Advent reminds us of our need to be patient in the waiting and persistent for the promise. Please help us remain hopeful not just during this season but all year. Help us to focus on what matters most this Advent, and teach us through the process. We love and praise you, Lord. Amen.
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
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If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
