Advent is a time of waiting. But what are we waiting for? We know Jesus was born. That already happened, right? We know that the saving power of God's love has been revealed - born in the one from Galilee who walked among us and showed us a different way of living. The Messiah was born. So what are we waiting for in Advent?
The holy waiting of Advent is not idle waiting. Rather, it is a time when we clear away the clutter of our minds and our lives and make room for the Advent - the coming - of Emmanuel - God With Us - in our hearts and minds and spirits. The idea of "no room in the Inn" works here. When God knocks on the door of our soul and wants to be born in us, will there be room? Will we even hear the knock through all the other noise and distraction?
There are various ways we can use this time of holy waiting to open ourselves to the power of God's love to transform our lives. One way is through the discipline of silence. Have you ever tried to quiet your mind and sit in silence? Maybe you could try that this season. Sit in God's presence and listen... in silence. Don't come with your wish list asking God to deliver. Rather, use the silence as a time to empty yourself allowing God space to ask something of you.
What are your ideas about holy waiting? What do you do in this season to prepare to receive that LOVE born at Christmas?
