Debbie GuinnEditor’s Note for December 2014:
We live in a society that wants instant everything! Delayed gratification—which develops patience—is something to which we’re no longer accustomed. In our home we call this the “Veruca Salt Syndrome.” Whenever we see impatience creeping in, we quote Veruca’s famous line from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: “I want an Oompa Loompa now!” Reflecting on Veruca’s outrageous behavior usually does the trick to bring us back on track and remind us that we cannot have everything we want now!
Waiting is difficult. In the silent years between the Old Testament and the New Testament, God’s people waited and endured a deafening silence from God for more than 400 years. Not one word through a prophet, king, or priest. God was fulfilling prophecy and counting down to the time for Jesus to arrive on this earth.
God’s people waited together for the long-promised Messiah. The pain of waiting was eased by waiting together in community. Our faith community serves to remind us of God’s faithfulness and spurs us on when patience seems to fade.
This issue of HomeFront is filled with creative ways for your family to wait together as you live in the environment of faith community. From reading a line or two of the Nativity story in capturing the season to praying through an Advent acrostic in prayer, you will be inspired and equipped this month as you celebrate the birth of our Messiah.
Tough topics tackles the difficult subject of losing loved ones and the pain of waiting to see them again in heaven. And our worship article reminds us not to allow the treasure trove of traditional carols to get lost in the fun of Frosty and Santa.
As we end the year with this HomeFront issue focusing on community, we want to express how thankful we are for each one of you who is traveling this journey of spiritual parenting with us. We pray that this resource is an encouragement to your family and that your season is filled with joy as we wait together for the second coming of our Messiah!
