Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Day 3

BY Patti Sauls

The Advent season overflows with longing. Some longings linger like a slow burn while others ambush us revealing a surprising mix of nostalgia, sadness, gratefulness, and yearning. One minute I’m calmly sitting in my car at a red light, and the next, I’m wiping away tears triggered by a tender Christmas tune. It can be powerful and bittersweet to hold memories from our past along with hopes for our future. It can be a lot to hold.

Today we learn about Abraham and Sarah and why God called this childless couple to leave their home to follow Him to the promised land of Canaan. God said, “Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). 

Consider the longings of this ancient couple as they may have wept, saying goodbye to home, family, and friends. Remember, they also turned away from false gods and idol worship to orient their entire lives around the one true God (Joshua 24:2). Abraham heard, believed, and obeyed the call of God. This was no stroll through a winter wonderland; it was a trek through a desert wilderness. 

Surely Abraham and Sarah felt sorrow for all they left behind, but they walked on, fueled by God’s promises of land, blessings, and a large family. Despite their years of infertility, Abraham and Sarah left all they knew and trusted God’s radical promise to birth a nation as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:2–5). What a promise to long for! This revelation must have pricked their hearts and unearthed deep wounds, hope, and wonder, as well as confusion and fear. But God promised to be with them and to provide (Genesis 15:1). 

The astounding truth is that all believers are part of this radical promise, including you and me. 

Those who have faith are blessed with Abraham, who had faith. —Galatians 3:9 

Over 4000 years ago, Abraham and Sarah looked ahead for God to reveal Himself and make a way for His people to be reunited with Him and each other. This hope was fulfilled at the cross of Christ. Believers from all nations, more numerous than the stars in the sky, are united in Jesus Christ. Together, as a family across time and space, we are fueled by our ultimate longing—for Christ to return, make all things new, and complete the redemption and renewal of all creation.