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November 26, 2007

Anticipation…Hope…Patience…Obedience

Advent is a quiet season in the midst of the cultural cacophony of our commercial Christmas Season. When I first became Episcopalian fifteen years ago, it seemed totally crazy to ask people to be quiet and reflective during this time of year. And what happened to the Christmas Carols? What was this blue “cool” quiet season in the midst of the jazzy red and green season?

I’ve come to appreciate Advent. Delayed gratification, intentional waiting is not my strong suit. I’m more of a type A person underneath. But over the years, I think Advent has helped me learn to slow down and live in the moment rather than rushing ahead to the endzone of the season. Advent invites us into the Process of Christmas, the anticipation of Christmas, rather than rushing headlong into the Main Event. During Advent, church becomes a haven of sorts, a harbor to anchor ourselves as we are buffeted by social, school, and business demands.

Anticipation…Hope…Patience…Obedience
I’m reading an Advent book of meditations called “Simply Wait,” by Pamela C. Hawkins, which is organized around the themes of those four words. I realized that these are words that I’ve wrestled with as a parent over the years. We anticipate each season of childhood; children give us enormous hope, require an amazing amount of patience, and I found that the issue of obedience is huge. It’s an unpopular word these days. How much do children need to obey us? Is it ok to say “no?” How much do we “obey” God? How does obedience play out in our lives? Are we only obedient to ourselves?

A regular dose of prayer in my day has helped enormously with discerning my way through these issues. This Advent I recommend creating a little “white space” in your life. Pray. Create a little more quiet in your life so that you’re available and not “taking another call” when God nudges you. If you are interested in reading “Simply Wait,” as a group, or individually, please order it online and let me know you’re interested, and we can talk about it as a group on Sunday morning or online in some way. Let me know.

Beth Foote+