“Advent is about learning to wait. It is about not having to know exactly what is coming tomorrow, only that whatever it is, it is of the essence of sanctification for us. Every piece of it, some hard, some uplifting, is sign of the work of God alive in us. We are becoming as we go. We learn in Advent to stay in the present, knowing that only the present well-lived can possibly lead us to the fullness of life.

“Advent relieves us of our commitment to the frenetic in a fast-paced world. It slows us down. It makes us think. It makes us look beyond today to the “great tomorrow” of life. Without Advent, moved only by the race to nowhere that exhausts the world around us, we could be so frantic with trying to consume and control this life that we fail to develop within ourselves a taste for the spirit that does not die and will not slip through our fingers like melted snow.”

~ Joan Chittister, The Liturgical Year

PRAYER

Eternal God of new possibilities, may your coming to us in the form of the Christ child alert us to watchful waiting that results in hopeful living. Wake us from our drowsy comings and goings in the ordinary activities of life. Sober us from the dizziness of frantic activity and scrambling to make life work out in accordance to our plans. Steer us away from the roads that lead to rash decisions arising from our impatience. Yes Lord, awaken us to your presence and anchor us in the hope of your coming, and open our hearts to you. Amen.