The question echoes through all times.
Time--that’s why we ask the question.
You are infinite, Lord, and we are finite, in bondage to time.
So we join all creation groaning, asking, “Coming when, Lord?”

Eve understood--the tension was there.
When would the head be bruised?
When would the battle be over?
When would the Victor reign?

Abraham knew too.
When would the promised child arrive?
The one who pointed to the One.
Abraham waited, Sarah laughed and Issac became.

Israel watched and forgot, waited and wondered.
When would He come--the Messiah?
People get weary and choose to compromise.
But a few still asked, “Coming when, Lord?”

Mary pondered, “When the Child?”
“Why me?” and “How long?”
She knew the answer, as her frame blossomed and strained.
Truly a God-Man child that entered our time through her blood, sweat, pain, tears.

“When, Lord? When will you restore the Kingdom?”
“Only the Father knows,” the disciples heard.
“Come and believe as a little child
Who understands not about time.”

Today we too ask, “Coming when, Lord?”
Sometimes we see You in Your Word--studied and lived,
In Your body and blood--given for all time, and need
In our daily death and new life, promised in the water of our Baptism.

We ask to see You, but our vision is sometimes dull.
Our awareness cluttered by the things of the world.
We see You, reflected in the face of a caring neighbor,
In the warm, strong arms of a friend.

Time does not hold You, Lord.
You came, You come,
And Yes, we know You are coming again.
Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.

Prayer: Lord, in this Advent season we rejoice in Your coming: in history, into our hearts and in the final Advent to come. Bless us with hearts that reflect the grace You brought to the world as we await in joy. In Your holy name. Amen.