Advent: Actively Waiting
Advent is about actively preparing for and anticipating God coming into
our lives – not only preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth in a few
weeks but actively preparing for God to come into our lives EVERY DAY! God’s
presence with us – and our presence with those who are precious to God – brings
us closer to God. We grow spiritually, love deeply, and work for peace and
justice for all God’s people.
During this Advent season we hear God’s message of love, peace, and
justice from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah challenges us with a message of peace
that demands us to work for the well-being of everyone, not simply to set aside
our weapons (Isaiah 2:1–5). God’s peace requires our participation and energy –
just as much energy as we might have spent fighting. Isaiah also shares a
vision of power that’s up-ended, reversed – “And a little child shall lead
them” (Isaiah 11:6). But how can this be? This is the hope-filled vision of a
new world, a world of peace and harmony. A world we’d like to live in today.
Mary herself becomes a prophet – proclaiming a message of liberation to
the poor and marginalized (Luke 1:47–55). She carries the great Liberator in
her womb and following God’s will she’ll nurture and protect that hope for us
all. And along with Mary, Joseph responds to God’s message, received in a
dream, to welcome and care for Jesus (Matthew 1:18–25). Joseph and Mary gave up
their our own lives and desires for God. Their example helps us lean into God’s
will for us in today’s world.
Advent can be a very busy time of year. It’s a time when the church
says, “Wait,” and savour these four weeks of preparation for the coming of
Christ into our lives. But many people find themselves rushing to parties,
shopping malls, Christmas plays, and family gatherings. During this hurried
season, it’s important to pause and get ready for Emmanuel, God with us, to
actually be with us. Advent prepares us for the message that Jesus will
bring – peace, love, hope, justice, and liberation for all people. Now that’s
something to celebrate!
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013 Seasons
of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014, p. 7
