“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” ~ Mark 13:32-33

Advent begins on Sunday, November 30.  The season of Advent is celebrated during the four weeks prior to Christmas and marks the beginning of the church year.  Advent is a time of waiting filled with hope, expectation, and anticipation as we prepare ourselves for the “comings” of Christ: the celebration of Christ’s birth on Christmas; the promise of his return to the creation; and his eternal presence in our daily lives through Word, Sacrament, and Christian community.

So, what can we do while we wait?  And I am not talking about Christmas decorating, gift purchasing, meal planning, etc.  What can we do, as the community of faith, while we wait for the celebration of Christmas, while we wait for each celebration gathered around Word & Sacrament, and while we wait in anticipation for Christ’s return?     

In Awaiting the Wonder (an Advent Devotion from Creative Communications), Tim Wesemann lists “15 Things to Do While Waiting for Christ’s Return.”  They are:

1.     Pray continually – not only with words, but with every aspect of your daily life.

2.     Ponder God’s miracles in your life.

3.     Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

4.     Encourage others with Christ-like words and actions.

5.     Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy the blessings of the Triune God.

6.     Worship with wonder regularly – privately and with the body of Christ.

7.     Read and study the Word of God daily.

8.     Respect the Triune God, his people, and his Word.

9.     Tell others what Christ’s life and love mean to you and how much he loves them.

10.  Ask and listen.

11.  Repent and forgive as you have been forgiven.

12.  Love unconditionally.

13.  Read an prayerfully consider 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

14.  Life grace-fully.

15.  Smile.  A lot. 

(Wesemann, Tim; Awaiting the Wonder.  Fenton, MO: Creative Communications for the Parish, 2012. P.8) 

Let us embody the spirit of Christ to live each day as if he is already among us (for Christ’s presence is with us through eternity, especially where two or three are gathered in his name) and as if his return will happen at any moment (for we do not know, it could be tomorrow!). 

May God be with you during this season of Advent and may you have a blessed, Christ-filled Christmas! 

Peace ~ Pastor Maureen

Let us pray: Gracious God, strengthen my faith as I wait for your Son’s return.  Amen.