God sows in the hearts of those who love him. Our preparations for Christmas often overwhelm us with occasions for waiting. We wait in line at stores. We wait in crowded bus stations, train stations, and traffic jams as we travel. We wait for Christmas bonuses, travelling relatives, online deliveries, the cookies in the oven to finish baking, and Santa. Waiting is not, however, a passive action. Waiting is an opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love. Advent is a lesson in waiting … dynamic waiting … transformative waiting.

Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our Saviour and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence and welcoming the light of his truth. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.