Fran always expected her estranged...
Illustration
Fran always expected her estranged son to come home for the holidays. She would wake up before dawn on Christmas Day to start preparing the meal. However, by evening it was obvious that her son was not coming. Every year, Fran hoped that her son would return. She hoped that he would come through the door unannounced and each year she was disappointed. A friend asked her why she put herself through this year after year only to be disappointed. Fran surprised herself with her reply; she hoped he would come home. It was that sense of expectant hope that kept her going.
Contrast Fran's experience with Albert's homecoming. Al has been away from his children, wife, family, and friends for almost a year while serving with the National Guard in Iraq. His young children were so excited when they learned that their daddy was coming home. Just as soon as they found out, a month in advance, they began telling everyone while making lists of fun activities they wanted to share with their father. What a welcome Al received when he returned home from his children, wife, family, and fellow church members who applauded him! It was truly a grand celebration.
Our Advent posture is to keep watch. Jesus said, "Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come."
Contrast Fran's experience with Albert's homecoming. Al has been away from his children, wife, family, and friends for almost a year while serving with the National Guard in Iraq. His young children were so excited when they learned that their daddy was coming home. Just as soon as they found out, a month in advance, they began telling everyone while making lists of fun activities they wanted to share with their father. What a welcome Al received when he returned home from his children, wife, family, and fellow church members who applauded him! It was truly a grand celebration.
Our Advent posture is to keep watch. Jesus said, "Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come."
