The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - The Days of Christmas – Day Two: No Room in the Inn – Read Luke 2:1-7
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I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning with labor pains together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18–25
The best is yet to come. We have heard this phrase, but for many it does not seem true. Some are struggling in their marriages, failing at their careers, and in despair over their sense of worth. The world seems to be going from bad to worse, and so many are caught up in suffering and chaos, as creation and humanity groan, shedding tears and calling out for redemption and restoration.
Yet we as Catholics can remain firmly rooted in the hope of that phrase. The best is yet to come because our Savior came down from heaven and redeemed his people through the cross. He died in our place, formed his Church, and is walking with her on her journey toward the new birth that is to come. We have been given the first fruits of the resurrection of Our Lord. We groan during this life on earth because we recognize that there is another world to come. While we cannot see it with our physical eyes, we experience it through the eyes of faith (see Heb 11:1). Because of this, we wait with patient endurance for our final redemption that is to come, and work out our salvation for our good and the glory of God.
Questions for reflection
What are some of the deepest sorrows you see in your life and the world around you today? How do these sorrows affect your hope?
How has Christ helped you to endure as you wait for the kingdom to come?
How does your hope in heaven shape how you live as a member of the Church?
Praying with Scripture
He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. (Is 25:8)
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
