Here we are again, heading into one of my favourite annual traditions – the season of advent. AS a child and even a teenager, I looked forward to Christmas with eager anticipation as soon as the nights started drawing in and we returned to school after the long summer break. I danced around the schoolyard with my friends singing ‘Twelve weeks to go until Christmas’, then eleven, and ten, and so on.
I didn’t grow up in a church culture that celebrated advent, but it’s something I’ve come to appreciate during the past few years. It’s important to take time to reflect and to prepare our hearts to remember the miracle of the Son of God being born into this world as a helpless baby.
We’re all impatient, yet waiting is a discipline we should learn to embrace. The best things are worth waiting for. It takes nine months to carry a baby, so Mary had her own long pause between the angel Gabriel’s visit and the birth of her miracle.
How will you wait this advent? Let’s pause to reflect each as we linger together.
Prayer:
Lord, please help us to take the time during this season of advent to wait quietly in your presence, to reflect on your love and the true miracle of Christmas.
Song: Advent Hymn by Christy Nockels.
Scriptures to ponder.
Psalm 46: 10: “Be still, and know that I am God!”
Psalm 27: 14: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”