Wait for the Lord


Advent is a time of anticipation, not for the presents we will receive but for Christ coming more fully into our lives. Each year the church provides this time to prepare, to focus on what the birth of Christ really means in our lives. So it sets aside four weeks to make ready our hearts, to be more open to receiving him, to let him be born in us anew.

All the readings and prayers in the liturgies invite us to focus on how the coming of Jesus changes our lives. Paul reminds us on the First Sunday of Advent: “The testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:3-9) We have all the spiritual gifts we need to reach our full stature as followers of Christ while we wait in hope.   

In Isaiah we read: “I, the Lord your God, teach you what is for your good and lead you on the way you should go.” (48:17) The scriptures encourage us to open our hearts, really break open our hearts, to receive the love that Jesus wants to give us.

It takes time to focus on what’s more important, parties and gifts, or how Jesus’ coming can make us more loving, more alive, more real. Focusing, however, is hard to do with all the distractions that fill these days. That’s why the church encourages us to use this time before Christmas to prepare ourselves to celebrate the fullness of Christ’s coming, to really welcome Emmanuel, Christ with us.

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