Advent is about waiting. Waiting in the quiet. Waiting in the unknown. Waiting with questions, fears and discouragement. Waiting with hope, anticipation, and expectation.

Advent is not a linear progression, despite the days ticking by, one by one. It seems to leap and roll and wander, with surprises and disappointments. Advent reminds us of God’s faithfulness in the past, and God’s promises for the future. And Advent is very much in the present moment, as we are aware of what God is doing.

Advent is realizing GOD WITH US is not just at Christmas, but always. Throughout the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, there are lessons about waiting. Noah waiting to send out the dove from the Ark. The bearers of the Ark of the Covenant waiting in the Jordan River as the people crossed into the Promised Land. The psalmists exhortations to wait on the Lord. The prophets reminding us to wait for God’s goodness in due season.

Advent invites us to wait… and not despair that we still must… wait.

The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
 You open your hand,
    satisfying the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145: 15-16)