The season of Advent is here again and we are reminded us that Christmas is not far away. It is a time in which we more fully understand that we are the visible and participatory co-creators of God’s plan. This involves waiting in anticipation and being fully prepared. These are the elements of Advent.

Waiting is not something that we do not want to do. We live in an impatient world where long lines and delays are barely tolerated. Frustration accompanies waiting. This waiting with eagerness expectation is foreign to us. Yet this is precisely what we are asked to do. We are to find the joy all around us in the little giggles that come from babies and children, the raw beauty of nature as autumn turns to winter, and in words of encouragement from family, friends and co-workers. We wait behind the door for the guest who will arrive at any minute. Our greeting of welcome is ready to burst from our lips. We light the lights of our homes to clearly shine for their coming. There is a suffering associated with this kind of patient waiting as the voice of our childhood cries out “I can hardly wait!” This pregnant waiting is intended to provide our spiritual lives with hope and to make us ready for love. The longing of Advent will yield to wonder, wisdom, delight and awe.

Being fully prepared involves dressing for the journey, putting everything in order and becoming people of action. Preparing the way means that we clear a path for God. We finally make time for our children, listen to the voices that need our attention, give alms to the poor and say gentle and kind things to people in our lives as well as to strangers. It means that we are merciful and non-judgmental. We literally pour out our blessings for others.

May this Advent be a game changer for each and every one of us. May we take the lessons that we learn and carry them throughout the rest of our lives.