Waiting
One of the most popular gift items this Christmas is sure to be the Keurig, a machine that brews single cups of everything from “Sleepytime Herbal Tea” to “Wake Up Call Extra Bold Coffee,” in under 60 seconds. The Keurig is another example of the “instant” society we have become. From instant meals to instant messaging, we have almost everything we want or need at the drop of a hat. We are long on technology but short on patience. We hate waiting! We look for the shortest line in the grocery store, the fastest lane on the highway, the closest parking spot to the mall.
Our liturgies during Advent take a different tack. During Advent, our scripture readings are filled with images of what happens when we wait in hope: a desert blooms, a wolf becomes a lamb’s BFF, and the poor finally have their day. Good news abounds. As the angel Gabriel tells Mary:
“Know that Elizabeth your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age; she who was thought to be sterile is now in her six month, for nothing is impossible with God.”
Luke 1, 36
Advent tells us that not only is it ok to wait, it might actually be preferable in the long run.
Waiting creates space for God. Waiting nurtures our relationship with God. Waiting fulfills something inside of us that an instant Chai Latte never could. God waits for us patiently, longingly, lovingly. So too, we are called to await God’s presence and favor. Advent teaches us that our days are pregnant with hope. So, savor Advent. Savor God’s presence. Savor life. It’s good to the last drop! Amen.
Our liturgies during Advent take a different tack. During Advent, our scripture readings are filled with images of what happens when we wait in hope: a desert blooms, a wolf becomes a lamb’s BFF, and the poor finally have their day. Good news abounds. As the angel Gabriel tells Mary:
“Know that Elizabeth your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age; she who was thought to be sterile is now in her six month, for nothing is impossible with God.”
Luke 1, 36
Advent tells us that not only is it ok to wait, it might actually be preferable in the long run.
Waiting creates space for God. Waiting nurtures our relationship with God. Waiting fulfills something inside of us that an instant Chai Latte never could. God waits for us patiently, longingly, lovingly. So too, we are called to await God’s presence and favor. Advent teaches us that our days are pregnant with hope. So, savor Advent. Savor God’s presence. Savor life. It’s good to the last drop! Amen.
