Fish
The letters, from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus (I), Christ (X), God (Q), Son (Y), Savior (S). Some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. This is one of the earliest Christian symbols.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Matthew 4:19

Fishing is an exercise in patience.  Whether you are in the Sea of Galilee or Belton Lake, there are no guarantees that you will end the day with anything to show for that time.  I wonder if Jesus chose fishermen as his first disciples because he knew that they had the skills needed for the difficult tasks ahead.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  The early disciples learned their new roles by watching and listening to Jesus.  They made mistakes and misunderstood, but He patiently allowed them the time to learn.  I will confess that the attribute of patience is one that I have chased for most of my life.  It is hard to let things evolve, to wait for resolution.  Advent is a good time to slow down and savor stillness.  Let us patiently await the coming of our Redeemer and know that he is always present in our lives to guide and support us.

Georgie McAteer