Prepare and Wait

Stop.

Practice waiting. Sit quietly and take ten deep, slow breaths. Don’t rush or worry about anything but counting. Let yourself learn to wait.

Listen.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! – Psalm 27:14

Reflect.

The church has entered the season of Advent. In this time, we prepare and wait. Many liturgical purists will chastise those who rush too quickly to put up Christmas decorations and sing Christmas carols. They don’t mean to dictate who gets to spread Christmas cheer and when. The point is to remember that this is a time to wait, listen, and get ready. 

What we’re getting ready for is the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ, born a baby in a manger, humble and vulnerable. While there’s a lot of joy in that, it’s not here yet. If Jesus Christ is the light of the world, as we so often sing, then Advent reminds us that we’re not at dawn yet. We still watch and wait through the long hours of the night.  

Resist the temptation to be busy, to fill your hours, to tag more items on your to-do list. This year, more than ever, it will be important to remember that this is a time of waiting. As we wait for our Lord, as the psalm insists, we find strength and courage. We find what we need for this long night so that we will feel the joy of the morning.

Pray.

I wait for you, God. I wait for the fulfillment of your promises in Jesus. I wait for the courage and hope you bring. I wait for your goodness to be known not only by me, but for all. Amen.

Carry On.

Build a ritual of waiting into your day. Take five silent minutes at the beginning of your morning. Allow yourself space to rest without anything to do at the end of your day. Give your heart and mind space to wait and hope.