Advent is ‘Waiting’ December 1, 2024

‘Waiting’ is a word very familiar to all of us. We have the experience of waiting in our day-to-day events of life.  I read in one of the health magazines, if we live to be ninety years old, we will spend four years of our life just waiting. Waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting in the doctor's office, waiting for lunch/dinner to be ready, waiting for recess time at school. Everyone is just waiting. 

Advent literally means coming or arrival and practically it is waiting, waiting for the coming of the Saviour of the world.  Christmas is coming, Christ is on his way. What can we do to make this time of waiting for Christmas more than just a useless time in the waiting place? We may find the best image of waiting/Advent in Mary in the Gospel. By reflection and prayer, by reading the Scripture and meditation, Mary was waiting in the waiting place. The waiting place of Mary was the presence of God. During the times of doubts, struggles and darkness of her life, she remained faithful in her waiting place-to God and his commandments. And God opened and cleared her ways of her trouble, sending to her womb the Saviour of the world.

Advent is a call and challenge of waiting in our waiting place. Four weeks of Advent/waiting gives us four words to reflect: Faith, Hope, Joy and love. Faith does not come from human ingenuity or craftiness.  Hope does not come from material wealth.  Joy does not come from comfort.  Love does not come from the bottom up.  Faith, hope, joy and love come from God who gives us our identity and our mission.  Mary knew what she was doing.  Joseph knew what he was doing.  Their waiting place was in the presence of God, and they responded to the will and Word of God, being and living in the waiting place of God’s presence. This is what brings joy/peace to their family- to the world, to us. We turn this waiting place a useful one, to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way.  

Have a Blessed Advent!