Hurry Up and Wait?
Posted on Nov 29, 2022 by Jon Brudvig
Advent can be a frustrating time for those of us who do not like to wait. After all, we have things to do, people to see, and places to go during the holidays. In addition, we have been culturally conditioned to expect instant gratification. Microwaves, fast-food options, drive-through lanes, self-checkouts, and smart phones all feed our need for speed. We can even pay extra at amusement parks and other venues to avoid waiting in line. Until … Advent comes along and deliberately slows us down.
By its very nature, Advent is a season of anticipation, preparation, and intentionality. It is a season of the already and not yet — a time of awaiting the Christ child’s birth as we also expectantly hope for Christ’s promised return in glory.
Advent is a blessing that should not be dismissed or overlooked. It is a season that invites us to slow down, to catch our breath, and to take stock of our lives as we prepare the way of the Lord. Amid the holiday preparations, family traditions, and other activities, Advent calls us to think about how the Christ child will transform us and shape us in new and unexpected ways.
The annual mad dash from Thanksgiving to Christmas is frantic, crowded with activities, and stressful. Sadly, the busyness of the season often becomes our “excuse” to be unprepared and to be caught off guard with Christ’s coming into the world. Please do not let that happen to you. Challenge yourself to slow down, to be uncomfortable, and to practice the spiritual discipline of waiting during Advent. You will not be disappointed.
In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jon