The Water Is High

DECEMBER 4, 2025

Gen. 9:13-15

“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth... Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”

When I read the story of Noah, I can’t help but think about how overwhelming it must have been for him. Imagine God assigning you the task to build a large Ark (boat), way before there was even a threat of heavy rain. Where would you even start? How do you gather that much wood? What do you say when people stop by and ask what on earth you’re doing? And on top of all that, would you wonder if there was any real hope for the future of creation after the occurance of such a massive flood?

Try putting yourself in Noah’s place ("sandals" ) for a moment.
What would be going through your head?
What fears, doubts, or questions would you have?

Truthfully, the season of Advent can feel a little like that. The closer we get to Christmas, the more the “water” seems to rise. We’re running around trying to find the right gifts, track down ingredients for family recipes, attend dinners, finish up end-of-year tasks, decorate the house, and keep up with everyone’s expectations, especially our own. It can feel like the stress is piling up fast, almost like a flood. 

And yet… we keep doing it year after year.

Why?

Because underneath all the busy moments is something stable and secure, something beautiful: our Messiah has come. Advent gives us space to breathe, remember, and celebrate Jesus, our Savior, our Living Hope, our faithful Friend who never leaves us to face the flood alone.

And just like God didn’t leave Noah alone and unsupported, God doesn’t leave us without reminders of his presence either. God gave Noah everything he needed to build the ark, and when it was all over, God placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign, a promise that destruction, loss and ruin would never have the final word.

So as we wait for Jesus this Advent, maybe we can look for those same signs of hope.
Maybe, if we pause long enough, we’ll see the “rainbow” God is setting before us too.