Advent Waiting

Advent waiting is usually focused on remembering when Jesus was born on earth and his eventual return.  It’s a beautiful image.  Waiting in which we long for the thing before us.  We may be impatient but we can’t wait to get there.  Like waiting to open our gifts on Christmas morning.

But what about waiting that is filled with dread?  The news from a medical test, the call in the middle of the night, the rejection from a job.  How do we deal with this type of waiting?

Fortunately this story of Christ’s coming is filled with the second type of waiting.  We can learn from the stories of Mary waiting to give birth to a child she did not conceive within marriage, not sure of how others would react, and of the small family escaping to Egypt, probably always a bit fearful that an agent of Herod would find them.  Yet, even in this fear Mary shows us where we can focus while we wait and gives us the words to do just that.

My soul glorifies the Lord 

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

“Magnificat” by Macha Chmakoff

for he has been mindful 

   of the humble state of his servant. 

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

for the Mighty One has done great things for me— 

   holy is his name. 

His mercy extends to those who fear him, 

   from generation to generation. 

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 

   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 

He has brought down rulers from their thrones 

   but has lifted up the humble. 

He has filled the hungry with good things 

   but has sent the rich away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel, 

   remembering to be merciful 

to Abraham and his descendants forever, 

   just as he promised our ancestors.

 Luke 2:46-55

 

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