Sunday 14 December 2025 - A slow, unseen promise

Sunday 14 December 2025

Today is Sunday the 14th of December, beginning the 3rd week of Advent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Waiting for the Dawn’. What is your prayer for the weary world today as we wait for the coming of Christ? What glimpses of hope do you see? Silent night, Holy night The stars are shining, for a weary world Silent night, Holy night Long lay the world, waiting for the dawn A glimpse of hope - a weary world rejoices For a new and glorious morn Emmanuel, Emmanuel Silent night, cold and bright That star still shining, for a lonely world Silent night, O that night Few were waiting, as the dawn appeared A glimpse of hope - a weary world rejoices In a new and glorious morn Emmanuel, Emmanuel Emmanuel, Emmanuel The stars are shining, for a weary world Today’s reading is from the Letter of James. James 5:7-10 Be 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. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. On this Sabbath day, today’s reading from James tells of the importance of patience and endurance in the journey of faith. Let us take a moment to enter more deeply into the Advent longing of God’s people. Imagine yourself standing in a monotone landscape of a quiet, winter field. Where might you be longing for God to act, but nothing seems to be happening? The earth seems asleep, yet beneath the surface something is happening - a slow, unseen promise. But patience can be hard. Where might you recognise the ‘early’ and ‘late’ rains that bring hope? James reassures and encourages; waiting can test us, but it can also transform us. In the quiet, in the longing, God is at work. Advent teaches us that the waiting itself is holy ground. As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might strengthen your heart today... James 5:7-10 Be 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. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ‘Beloved’. We are reminded in the midst of suffering and waiting, patience and impatience, that the Lord calls, and His presence - quiet, patient, steady - rests upon you like gentle rain. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus