Hurry up and wait; so close, but so far away… Waiting –we do this everyday –we wait in traffic –we wait for our food –we wait in line for our shopped goods, dentist or doctor appointment –we wait for Mr./Ms. Right –we wait for our workdays to be over –we wait for visitors or other people –we wait for about nine months for a baby to be born –we wait for this boring and hastily prepared talk to get finished

While we wait… We do some stuff to pass the time –Watch tv, listen to the radio, etc. We do nothing… -_- –rest, sleep, etc. We prepare for what’s coming –We clean the living room, we study, we rehearse, etc

Waiting in the Bible "I am waiting for the Lord, my soul is waiting for Him, and my hope is in His Word." Psalms 130:5 "Be as calm in your waiting; let your hearts be strong: because the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:8 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

Why Wait? Waiting teaches us to be patient Waiting teaches us to be vigilant Waiting teaches us to be hopeful Waiting gives us the opportunity to prepare Waiting shows us the value of God’s timing

The Advent Season The theme of waiting and eager anticipation seen throughout Scripture -- not only through Advent -- may provide a deeper understanding of the season. –God promised Abraham a son –Israelites were enslaved by Egyptians for 400 years before God answered their cry for release through Moses –Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert after being told of the Promised Land –John the Baptist asked people to repent as they waited for the coming of the Lord Advent mixes joy and hope with trepidation and penitence as it prepares us for Christmas. (like a mini- Lent)

Symbolical preparations during Advent Advent Wreath –Originally from Germany & Scandinavia Advent Calendar –A special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Empty Manger The Nativity Scene Christmas Tree Jesse Tree –depiction of Christ’s ancestry

Spiritual Preparations Taking time for God –Praying, Spiritual reflections Asking for forgiveness Repenting Helping & giving to others Be thankful for everything that you have (and don’t have)

Take Time for God Pope Benedict reminds Catholic Christians to “be watchful for Christ, mindful of how the Lord comes into our lives and to make room for him.” The journey through Advent to Christmas Day is meant to be a journey of illumination, repentance, gratitude and rejoicing.