There are many things I yearn for. Right now I would like more memory for my computer — not to mention a faster processor and high-speed internet access. We all have numerous desires, many of which are far more worthy than these. We want a rewarding job, financial security, good health, a happy family life — all understandable and proper desires.But deep down, there is something we want even more than all these. In our heart of hearts, whether we know it or not, what we long for most of all is God.
In fact, since our natural and deepest longing is for God, a lot of our lesser longings are actually misplaced. We may think it’s a new computer we want, when actually it is God we are longing for. After all, as St. Augustine says in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it comes to rest in you.”
What is more, our own longing is always in the context of God’s longing for us. God loves us before we can even begin to love God and implants in us our desire for God. So the two desires, God’s and ours, are in harmony. During Advent we are reminded of this intersection of two longings: God’s for us, and ours for God. Graciously these two longings meet in the One who is Emmanuel, “God with us.”
and God’s good wish is to have us.”
(Julian of Norwich)
“I am the root and the descendant of David,
the bright morning star.”
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”
And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”
Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus!
(Revelation 22:16b-17, 20)