Was and Is and Is to Come

During Advent, we pray to the One who was, and is and is to come.

I find myself closing my eyes and repeating slowly

was

and is

and is to come.

Each phrase takes up a full exhale. Each phrase requires faith. Each phrase offers hope.

Jesus was born, God incarnate, love with us. I love thinking about the historical Jesus during Advent, mediating on the magical folklore of Jesus’ birth story. I watch my nieces,  wrapped in blue curtains, acting out the nativity story. It fills me with wonder and awe.

God is with us now, living, breathing, weeping, whispering. I see glimpses of goodness in the lightly falling snow. In my little nephews overcome with excitement. In a warm, candlelit dinner with family around the table. The sacredness of this moment, here and now, matters to God.

God is to come. This is not the final word. This is not as good as it gets. The glimpses of goodness will become a tidal wave of peace and reconciliation. We don’t know what God’s kingdom will look like. Eyes open, hearts vulnerable, we wait.

Happy Advent.

Merry Christmas.

May the one who was, and is, and is to come fill your heart with joy this season and always.