We all find ourselves in a different world these past few months. Some days it’s hard to remember our “normal” life. But even in our normal lives, we’ve also experienced the joys and sorrows of our everyday life. We, as Christians, all wait for the promise of God, for eternal life and being welcomed into God’s kingdom. God’s promise to all believers is that we will endure the trials of this world. And with faith in God, we will see His promise through these days.

My own personal journey through this life has brought me through many trials and tribulations. I take comfort in favorite Bible passages.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5:)

I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So how do we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus into our world during Advent, especially during this pandemic?

Pray. This may seem obvious, or even trite, but it’s vital. Also, pray specifically. Examine yourself to see where your anxieties are coming from. What exactly are you most afraid of? Pray specifically about that. Not just asking God to end the trial, but to accomplish his good and perfect will in and through it, both in your life and in your nation and around the world.

Read his Word. Get into all of God’s Word for yourself. See how he has been faithful all throughout history. God is good, he is kind, he is faithful, he will never forsake us, he is completing his good plan.

Listen to worship music. Turn off the news. Shut off social media. Turn on some worship music (maybe listen to some of the old hymns). A new favorite hymn that brings me hope is “He Never Failed Me Yet.” Here’s a link to that hymn for you to enjoy.

Talk to a Christian friend. Pick up the phone and call or video chat a trusted Christian friend.

Look back. Take time to review your life and recall how God has been faithful to you in the past. He was faithful then; he will be faithful again. If you’ve kept a prayer or regular journal, flip through it and see how God has answered your prayers.

Linda Elder

Knit Wit, Choir