The Waiting Begins

From the BSM Campus Ministry Team, Mr. Brady, Mr. J, and Ms. Hodapp

Have you ever had the experience of waiting in line? Perhaps in the cafeteria, you anxiously wait your turn to grab a bite to eat. Or you have waited in traffic or the line in front of BSM to turn into the parking lot. Maybe you play on a sports team and have had the experience of waiting to get placed in the game and off the bench. Oftentimes, this sort of waiting can be unpleasant. We want it to end so we can grab our lunch, park the car, get in the game, or whatever. We want the waiting to end. 

As Advent begins, so does another kind of waiting. While we all may be ready to embrace Christmas and push through this time of waiting we know as Advent, this time, when properly understood, can be meaningful and even a sought-after treasure. 

Waiting has a way of preparing us for the experience, thing, or person we are waiting on. This intentional pause allows us to experience in a deeper way, the treasure that is sought after. It allows one to anticipate, with joy and hope, the heart's desire that is worth waiting on. 

Consider the first time parent or guardian, just like Mary and Joseph. They waited patiently for the coming of their Son, Jesus. They prepared, they anticipated, and they waited with joy. So too, have your parents or guardians waited with this type of anticipation before you were born or came into their life. This period of joyful waiting made your arrival all the better.

With the blessing and the lighting of the first Advent candle this past Sunday, Advent has officially begun. This time is 4 weeks of anticipating or waiting for the coming of the Lord, Jesus, via the celebration of His birthday on Christmas. During this waiting and period of anticipation, you are encouraged to see how you can lean more into this time and joyfully wait for the Lord's arrival on Christmas.

God Bless and Happy Advent!