What are you waiting for?

Dear Advent Blog Readers,

People are always waiting for something, right? We wait for the train connection, our meals, the elevator and the call back. We wait for the news, for medical care, the show opening and the latest products.

That waiting can be torturous and agonizing at times for many. But what are we really waiting for? After all, at the end of that train ride is something else to wait for. At the end of the show opening, then you again wait for the next thing. It can be a daily loop cycle of expectancy for things which may not matter in the long run of life.

And yet, Advent gives us the gift and the discipline to remember the anniversary of the gift of the newborn baby Jesus. Besides the resurrection promise at Easter, it’s the symbol of the best reason to lay in waiting. Waiting time in Advent exercises our spiritual muscles to remain in Awe of the birth child. Waiting is worth it!

During this season of the days leading up to Christmas, try to do something special with your daily wait times. While waiting for that train ride or the restaurant meal, try praying and talk to God. Got a painfully slow elevator? Use that 60 seconds to write down something you’re grateful for. The time will feel shorter and you’ll be doubly blessed.

At Marble Church, the crèche is made of olive wood from the holy land. The hand carved nativity figurines wait for the barnyard bed to be filled with the infant King of Kings. That is something worth waiting for and to remember the deep meaning of this joyful occasion.

See you soon!

Rick Harper