I am writing to you as I wait in the cell lot at O’Hare. My son, Kyle, is flying from California to visit for my birthday! I’ve been anxiously waiting for this day since Kyle announced his surprise trip to me almost a month ago! We’ve been sharing our mutual excitement about this day over the phone and thru texts every few days as well. It’s awe-full to have to wait for something you’re looking forward to!
Paula is waiting differently today. This article was due last night, but I wanted to write it in “real wait time” to be authentic (are you buying that Paula?!) Paula is anxious in her waiting as a deadline looms and as her schedule fills with other tasks. Her waiting is awful, not awe-full like mine.
As we enter Advent, the Christian community also waits. We mark the weeks of anticipation of the birth of Jesus with hope, peace, love and joy. We remember other years of joy-filled waiting, traditional celebrations and opportunities to serve and worship with friends and family throughout the season. We’re glad for “this time of year” as there is a bit of a shift in people’s sensitivity and generosity and our culture collectively hopes, just for a moment, for peace.
This Advent we’re going to explore four new words in worship and small group study. They are: expectant, dangerous, jealous and faithful. Now, I usually know better than to ever mess with “things as they always have been” but as I have begun engaging these words in my preparations, I am excited about new perspectives and renewed commitment to our true Advent vocation-waiting.
Now no preconceived conclusions friends, it’ll be okay to be stretched a bit by the Spirit as we journey this Advent time together! Let it be a time of awe-filled waiting for Jesus’ birth rather than an awful burden of commercialism and unmet expectations.
Advent is “Under Wraps” and begins on Sunday, November 30th! Each week we will unwrap, explore and celebrate the “waiting” for the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Join me, Andy and Eddie as we teach and preach and wait with awe!
Pastor Kelly