Have you ever watched people at airports, waiting for loved ones to arrive from a flight? They often seem excited, eager for the first appearance of the familiar face, and ready with the broad smile of greeting to embrace the returning traveler. The Advent season invites us, too, to wait for the Lord’s coming with eagerness, because we long for His presence.
The waiting that marks this season is important because, during our life’s pilgrimage, we are incomplete. As St. Augustine once said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” At some deep, human level we are in need, a need that only God can fill.
We may not have done this in prior years, but let’s use this Advent season to imagine those people in airports, waiting for loved ones to arrive. It is an alert, active waiting – keeping an eye on the time, on the runway, and on the gate. In today’s Gospel (Mark 13, 33-37) Jesus says, “Be on your guard, stay awake.” He wants us to focus on our task (waiting patiently) here and now. We are invited to grow more mature in our relationships with Him and with others, paying attention to prayer, and living with His message in our hearts. That’s what waiting for Him could be like.
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A Blessing for an Advent Wreath in the Home: “Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the Hope of the peoples, He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us, He is the Savior of every nation. Let your blessing come upon us today and throughout this season. As we light these candles over the coming weeks, may this wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy Name, for He lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.”
