Longings and expectations

Longing is the flame that sheds light

During Advent, we hear of a population, a race, a people crying out for a savior to come and save them. According to Scripture, these cries went on for over four thousand years. Come and save us, they cried out through the prophets, the priests, and the wandering people. Troubles often produce such longings.

Maybe Advent is a good time to reflect on our longings. Are we crying out and feeling unheard? If so, what does that mean? 

Not all who longed for the Savior recognized him when he came. He neither looked nor acted like the King they expected. And he did nothing to dispel their doubts except ask them to remember the prophecies of old and compare those prophecies to his life.

It is good to realize we may not always see straight, understand correctly, or desire truly. It is good to long, and to check our desires. It is good to see if we are receiving our desire, but just not recognizing it because it has not come in the package we want.