12-13 “Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.

14-15 “How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.

16 “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”

17 “Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride. Whoever hears, echo, “Come!” Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink, Drink freely of the Water of Life!

Questions for Reflection:

How are you doing so far during this Advent season with "waiting"?

Are you sometimes in the "wilderness", too? Are you tired and thirsty? Where are you going for "water"? So, perhaps STOP for some reflection and recognize your utter need for Jesus as your Savior - every day Savior - not just the Baby in the manger. But, watch out for the enemy who wants to sabotage even this time of reflection. He is going to point out to you everything you're doing wrong. So, also take some time to STOP and reflect and even say out loud the good ways you HAVE been preparing well. Thank Him! Praise Him! Saturate in all of this time, STOPPING and RE-SEEing the wilderness and going to the REAL Source of Living water!

Prayer of the Week:

Today’s Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence)

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank you for the opportunity to be in your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in you. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father and my irreplaceable role in Your larger story.

Jesus, help me STOP and own my utter need for You as my Savior, Leader, Lord, Hope and Life …

Jesus, open me up to receive You and all You have for me today …

I rest in You …

(Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)

Daily Closing Prayer

Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you. I long for your return to make all things new! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to replace You through the celebrations and preparations of this season. Help me Re-see ways this season actually ignites my passion and longing for You. I want more of you Jesus. I need, utterly need, more of You Jesus. Fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.

Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. I receive You now.

I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them.

I am waiting for your cue.

Amen