The meaning of Jesus words echoes that of the Old Testament Prophets such as Isaiah 40! Watching is exciting expectation in waiting. Watching is beholding the unfolding of what God is doing in the world. Watching is a participatory action through works of faith. Watching includes deep praying . Watching and words are as intertwined as faith and works. You cannot have one without the other. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is our season of waiting for Easter and expecting grace.

Now the essential question for you is: "For what and for whom are you actively watching???" In my growing up days my mother was always watching at night for the burglar who never came. I knew a man who went every morning in Baton Rouge to watch and wave at drivers passing along Greenwell Springs Rd. In Fort Worth a gentleman would go daily to watch the trains come in and wave at the caboose. Some folks are still waiting for the rep from Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes to bring their check. The question for the church today is "For what and for whom are we actively working in our watching?" Too many are like the fellow in Lake Wobegan Days who wrote: "All my life, my one great talent has been resignation, . . .I have been prepared for defeat, have welcomed failure, and have quietly walked away from every enterprise that engaged me." Christ calls us to watch and work for what we are watching. Expect great things from God, attempt great things. Are you expecting to meet God in worship on Sunday? See you there as we watch and work.

Rev. Grady Brittain

P.S. Easter won’t be long. Jesus is coming again! Watch and pray.