Advent is about waiting and watching. We are invited to be still so that we don’t miss God’s loving embrace among us. A slowed pace is antithetical to our North American approach to this holy season in the life of the Church. We have the longest to-do list of the year when it comes to Christmas preparation. Our foot is on the gas pedal. We jump out of the car and race around the store. Our fingers scroll through our online buying options, searching for gifts that will be dropped at our doorstep the very next day. We bake. We entertain. We inscribe cards. Even in our churches the pace ramps up as children rehearse for their parts in the annual pageant (which I always love!) and folks brave the cold to go caroling. I invite you to intentionally slow down. When you catch yourself breathlessly rushing toward a neighbor with your own agenda, put on the brakes. Maybe someone is excited to tell you how their pastor outlived a tired church carpet! So, when the adrenaline rushes as you panic over what needs to get done in a December day, breathe deeply. Turn your heart heavenward.
