I think one of the hardest things there is to do is to believe in something that you cannot see.  If you have ever watched mystery type shows, you notice that often the detective who is trying to solve a crime, will say, “I do not have proof, but I have a hunch – a gut feeling about ‘who done it.’”  This is how faith works.  It is very similar in the way that we do not have proof that God is here right before us, but we know in our hearts that God is…It’s not tangible.  You can’t hold it up and say, “SEE!”  It’s only something that you ‘see’ with your heart.  You know it’s true.  You know its faith that will sustain you.

The problem is that when we cannot see, it is easy to get distracted.  It’s easy to turn away from God.  It is easy to suddenly be doing things that would not make God proud of us.  In Isaiah 64:1-9, the prophet puts it like it is: “…for you have hidden your face from us” and now we have sinned!  Isaiah says…You need people to call on your name, to gladly do right, and remember your ways…but as soon as you were out of our sight, our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. (v.6)

The season of Advent is a time for us to reflect on our sin and remember the Christ child who is on His way into the world.  It is a time to become clean in our thoughts, words and deeds; turn towards God, and think about what we will be doing when Christ comes again! God needs people who will gladly do right and remember God’s ways! (v.5)

Advent starts today. God is in our midst. God needs us to gladly do right and relish in His ways. Our world is suffering in so many ways – sexual abuse, horrific killings in our schools, churches, and even at innocent concerts.  God is not hidden – We just have to be present to see Him!