Psalm 130:5
Jeremiah 29:11

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psalm 130:5).

Today is World Soil Day. Now that probably seems like a rather random reference for an Advent devotional, but I think soil is a great metaphor for hope. We plant and we wait, and as we hope we must also wait. But in neither case do we wait idly. It’s important to prepare soil for planting and to tend it as seeds sprout and grow.

We should also prepare our hearts for Advent and nurture the hope that we have in God’s promise of Jesus’ coming. I love that we have this guide, prepared prayerfully and lovingly by our church family (of all ages!) to help us with that preparation.

Nor do we wait foolishly. We wouldn’t plant green beans and expect watermelons to grow. So we shouldn’t hope for things that are beyond what God has promised– things that are our desires versus his plan. With all of the changes in my life around this time last year, it was comforting to claim Jeremiah 29:11 and to trust and hope in His plan for my future. I celebrate the path and new adventure he has given to me.

There’s eagerness in waiting for the harvest. And I think it’s OK to be a little impatient, or maybe the better word is “expectant,” while we wait and hope for Jesus’ coming. Kids get it– sort of. No other time of year is as anticipated as the Christmas season. They’re impatient for its arrival. They expect exciting things.

Is that how we approach this season of Advent? Are we preparing our hearts and hoping in God’s promises? Are we excited and expectant?