While We Wait … Advent and the “Meanwhile”

Veni, veni o oriens!
Solare nos adveniens,
Noctis depelle nebulas,
Dirasque noctis tenebras.
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
nascetur pro te, Israel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Mannheim Steamroller

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

I wonder what the residents of Bethlehem were doing in the days leading up to the birth of Our Lord.

The shepherds, the first to receive the Good News, were likely doing what they did each day: move the flock from field to field by day, and watch over them at night.

The leaders of the synagogue preached the message of hope and faith that God was sending One to release their bonds, giving them the freedom promised by God.

The innkeeper, who would not be able to give room to Mary and Joseph, except for the stable, was likely welcoming visitors, and preparing for the onslaught coming to Bethlehem for the census.

Each person was making their mark, each day, not recognizing they were part of a much bigger event that would change history.

Maybe it is this way of each of us. We accomplish the tasks of the day, and spend time in faith and joy with family and friends, celebrating their company.

Waiting for the Lord is a personal journey, but shared with our faith community.

The Lord’s coming is not a singular event. It is the culmination of so many small acts in our lives.

Come, Lord Jesus. We await you with joy.