patience

Good morning brothers and sisters,
Our reading today is from the Letter of James. James was known as the brother of the Lord, and is believed to have been Jesus' brother. He was one of the most important leaders in the church in Jerusalem. His letter is a great bridge from the Gospels to the letters in the Bible because it somehow seems more continuous with Jesus' teachings than Paul's letters. Here James reminds the church of its hope in God's kingdom, which is coming soon. He calls them to wait patiently even though times are tough and the wait seems long. This is a great word for us in Advent. Certainly the days to Christmas don't seem long; they fly by without any pause. But the wait for Christ's return seems to go on forever without any sign of coming closer. Let us trust that God will bring all things to their right conclusion at the right time. Our calling for now is to seek that kingdom and God's justice and to wait in patient hope.

Weekend blessings,
Sam

James 5:7-10

7Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.