Waiting

Pastor Julianne D Smith

Advent has always been one of my favorite seasons of the Church year. Not because it leads up to Christmas. Not because of Advent calendars that come with chocolate or tiny bottles of liquor. And, certainly not because of the constant bombardment of ads telling us what Christmas is really all about. It never seems to be about Jesus.

I like Advent because it reminds us that we are waiting. We are waiting for the coming of the Christ. Our Advent Scriptures in worship remind us that we are waiting not for a babe in a manger, but for Christ in all Christ’s glory. I know that bothers a lot of people. They want it to be all Christmas all of December. They want Christmas Carols instead of Advent Hymns. They want to focus on Baby Jesus. As Ricky Bobby declares, “I like Baby Jesus best.” {Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby}

I can understand that. With the shortening of daylight, we are looking for cheeriness and brightness. Advent might seem a bit gloomy. And yet, for me, there is something missing if we try to hurry to the manger to remember our dear Savior’s birth. I feel rushed, and then I’m grumpy. Although, when I was 9 months pregnant, I was well done with any waiting.

Advent invites a time of reflection. “For what or whom are we waiting?” “What does it mean to me to wait with gladness?” “Why is God taking so long?” “How can I live my life to please God, rather than myself?” So many questions! Suddenly four weeks seems too short.

Over the years I’ve had family members who have died during Advent, or just before it begins: my father-in-law, my mother, and most recently, my brother. As painful as it is to lose a loved one, I find comfort in knowing that for them, the waiting is over. There is no more longing for Christmas to come, there is no more worry, or dread. There is peace and eternal light.

I like Advent. And in the end, it does take us to the Christ who came as an infant, and promises to return in glory. May God give us grace and mercy, while we wait.