File

File

Minister’s Message: It’s all in the waiting

By Frank Alioto

For the Peninsula Clarion

2020 has clearly impressed on humanity the fragility of life and how difficult it is to wait. Aren’t we all sick of waiting for this pandemic to end? For life to get back to normal like before COVID? For fear and hostility to cease dividing people? There is so much waiting! What do we do? Where do we turn?

A verse has come to my mind over and over again in these dire times: “I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you.” (Psalm 141:1) I have simply summed up this prayer as, “Come quickly my Lord!” Even in declaring this prayer I realize how hard it is to wait and how often my prayers can just be about my personal needs.

The Latin term Advent is all about anticipation and waiting — it literally means “coming or arrival.” Many church traditions provide tangible ways to lean into this waiting time as they explore specific terms assigned to candles on a Christmas Advent wreath. Four Sundays prior to Christmas these candles are lit to remember themes like hope, faith, joy and peace in the waiting process. The Advent narratives in the Bible are packed with characters who were waiting: Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon, Anna and the wise men. They were all leaning into patient expectation and were open to the way God showed up in meaningful ways. God gave them all hope, when they could not see the final picture. As they took steps of obedience, God increased their faith as they prepared for Jesus’ arrival. When Jesus did arrive, the wise men were overjoyed and worshipped him. After God answered their prayers Simeon and Anna, they were full of peace and felt complete. Often the waiting time can allow us not just to see how God is with us, but it can prepare us to receive what God has planned for us.

On Christmas day the fifth final candle is lit to celebrate the awaited One. The Christ candle represents purity and victory as the waiting is over and God’s love offers forgiveness and a relationship with him. This gift — available to all — can be received and enjoyed for all those who put faith in Jesus.

If you find yourself in “waiting” and unable to see what is ahead, consider this simple prayer: “Come quickly, my Lord.” Then lean into the promises Jesus declares in the Bible to bring humanity hope, faith, joy, peace and love to whatever you are facing.

Frank Alioto serves as chaplain and pastors at Roots Family Church in Soldotna.

More in Life

Creamy pasta is served with smoked salmon and Parmesan. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A dish for the mourning

Smoked salmon fettuccine served in a time of grief.

Artwork by Anastasia Clyde is seen as part of the inaugural exhibition of “Spirit of Soldotna: Showcasing Student Art” in Soldotna City Hall on Wednesday. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna opens student art showcase in city hall

The ongoing exhibition is a collaboration between Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula College.

tease
Off the shelf: Paradise versus privilege

“The Garden Against Time” is part of the Homer Public Library’s 2025 Lit Lineup.

Poopdeck Street, in Homer, became a reality in 1996, honoring Clarence Hiram “Poopdeck” Platt. (Clark Fair photo)
Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 1

Clarence Hiram Platt — who preferred to have people call him Poopdeck — may have been slowing down, but he rarely stopped moving.

File
Minister’s Message: Is it worth the risk?

What good is momentary fame, wealth, or admiration if it ultimately costs us what matters most — our soul?

The Ridgeway Rounders perform during Frozen RiverFest on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
10th Frozen RiverFest set for Saturday

The event will feature 19 breweries.

The Middle School Battle of the Books Team from Homer Connections, who won the district competition in February, stand for a photo. (Provided by Districtwide Librarian Julie Gottfried)
District Battle of the Books teams ready for state competition

Battle of the Books is an annual celebration of reading and teamwork.

File
Minister’s Message: Living in the community of faith

Many of us tend to stay within our own denomination for purposes of what we consider to be purity of doctrine.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Artwork by Susan Nabholz, Charlotte Coots and Chelline Larsen is displayed as part of “Fiber” at the Kenai Art Center on Wednesday.
Focus on fiber

Kenai Art Center show transforms threads to art

Most Read