Dec 22nd: Love’s Light in the Waiting, with Rev. Morgan Schmidt.
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About This Message
Active Waiting and Love in Action
The fourth Sunday of Advent carries the tension of the “already” and the “not yet.” It’s a time when we are called to hold onto hope while living in a world that isn’t quite what it could be. Morgan Schmidt, speaking at First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon, brought this idea to life in a powerful message about the transformative power of active waiting and love in action.
In a season often filled with busyness, Advent invites us to slow down, reflect, and recognize that love and light are already on their way. Morgan’s message explored how we live in this tension, embracing the practice of active waiting as a way to bring love into the world. This blog reflects on her insights and offers practical applications for living out this Advent theme.
Advent: The Tension Between “Already” and “Not Yet”
The Advent season is a paradox. It reminds us that love, light, and redemption are already breaking into the world, even as we wait for their fullness to come. Morgan highlighted this dynamic with the phrase often used in Jewish theology: the “already and not yet.”
This tension mirrors our own lives. We experience glimpses of hope, healing, and joy, but we also know the reality of brokenness, pain, and waiting. Morgan pointed to this truth with a story from her time at the Red Cross, describing a young woman displaced by the Lahaina wildfire who expressed hope for the future despite her current loss. This young woman’s resilience and ability to imagine a brighter future embodied the essence of active waiting.
Active Waiting: Love in Motion
Advent waiting isn’t passive. It’s not about sitting still and hoping for change. Instead, Morgan described it as an “active waiting,” where we engage in the work of love even as we wait for something better to arrive.
Morgan’s example of her first week at the Red Cross encapsulated this idea. When a house fire erupted in her community, she felt compelled to act, only to learn her colleagues were already responding. This story reminds us that love and action are already at work in the world, even when we feel powerless.
Active waiting invites us to ask, “What is the work of love that is mine to do?” It’s about looking for ways to bring light into the darkness—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.
Love in the Darkness
Morgan’s message also spoke to those for whom this season feels heavy. She acknowledged the reality of grief, loneliness, or heartbreak that can overshadow the holidays. Yet, even in these moments, she reminded us that love finds us.
Love, she said, is the light that will meet us in the darkness. It’s the friend who calls unexpectedly, the neighbor who offers kindness, or the small joy that reminds us we’re not alone. This is the promise of Advent: that love is on its way, and the story isn’t over yet.
Lighting the Way: Practicing Advent
Morgan challenged us to embrace Advent as a practice, not just a season. Here are some ways to live out this message in daily life:
- Hold the Tension
Acknowledge the “already” and the “not yet” in your life. Reflect on where you see glimpses of light and where you are still waiting for change. - Ask What Love Requires
Each day, ask yourself, “What is the work of love that is mine to do?” This might be reaching out to someone in need, volunteering, or simply being present with those around you. - Be a Light for Others
Morgan encouraged us to remember that not everyone experiences the holidays as a time of joy. Be mindful of those who may be struggling and look for ways to offer support and kindness.
Closing Thought
Advent teaches us to live with hope, even in the tension of waiting. Morgan’s message reminded us that love and light are already breaking into the world, even when we can’t yet see the full picture. As we move through this season, may we practice active waiting, embrace the work of love, and trust that the story isn’t over—because when love wins, the story is complete.
For more reflections and resources, visit:
www.bendfp.org
Resource Guide: Exploring Active Waiting and Love
This resource, created by First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon, provides insights and tools for further study on active waiting and love in action.
Understanding Active Waiting
Active waiting is about hope in motion. It’s not passive; it’s a choice to engage with the world and bring love into the spaces where it’s needed.
Key Concepts
- Active Waiting in Psychology
Research shows that hope and purpose reduce stress and improve resilience. Active waiting aligns with these principles, turning waiting into a meaningful practice.
Read more: “The Science of Hope in Action”
www.psychologytoday.com/science-hope - Faith and Waiting
In the Presbyterian tradition, waiting is an act of trust in God’s timing and purpose. It’s a time to live with intention and practice love.
Learn more: “Presbyterian Views on Faith and Waiting”
www.presbyterianmission.org/resources/faith-waiting
Love as the Light in the Darkness
Morgan’s message emphasized that love is the light that meets us in life’s darkest moments.
Scientific Insights
- Studies show that acts of love and kindness improve emotional well-being and strengthen relationships.
Explore: “The Neuroscience of Love and Kindness”
www.mindful.org/neuroscience-love
Ways to Share Love
- Daily Acts of Kindness: Small gestures like a note of encouragement or a phone call can brighten someone’s day.
- Self-Care: Remember, loving yourself is just as important. Take time for rest, reflection, and activities that bring you joy.
Reflecting on Faith
Advent invites us to reflect on God’s promises of light and love.
Key Bible Verses
- John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
- Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.”
For modern language translations, explore:
www.biblegateway.com/versions/the-message
Practices for Daily Advent Reflection
- Candle Lighting
Light a candle each evening as a symbol of hope and love. Reflect on where you’ve seen light in your life that day. - Journaling
Spend 5 minutes writing about what “active waiting” means to you and how you can practice it. - Prayer or Meditation
Set aside time to pray for those who need love and light, including yourself.
Further Reading
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
A guide to embracing vulnerability and love in everyday life.
www.brenebrown.com/books - Advent Practices from PCUSA
Ideas for celebrating Advent with purpose and intention.
www.presbyterianmission.org/advent-practices
Closing Reflection
The Advent message calls us to be active participants in love’s story. Whether through small acts of kindness, moments of reflection, or simply showing up for others, we are invited to let love and light guide our lives.
For more resources and inspiration, visit:
www.bendfp.org
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