Wait for the Lord; be strong, let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14

I have two dogs. The first is a yellow Labrador Retriever. He has been schooled for both obedience and hunting. He and I have had five years together and I feel pretty confident in his temperament and response to commands. That’s important because when I walk him, part of the walk is along a street that has no shoulders – let alone sidewalks. His willingness to heel is a matter of life or death during that stretch of the walk.
The other dog I have is a 6 month old Cocker Spaniel. He’s a bright pup and already has learned to sit and heel for me – much of the time. And that’s the problem. We haven’t spent enough time together to build the trust I have with my other dog. Nor has he been to “school”. So, on that particular stretch of the walk without shoulders, I am anxious and, I suspect, very controlling. He doesn’t know how dangerous it is. I do. I find myself becoming impatient with him at times because I think he ought to be as disciplined as my older dog. It’s not going to happen.
Advent is the season of the Church year when we openly acknowledge that waiting is a fact of life. Whether it is waiting for a pup to “get it” and consistently heel or waiting for that certain someone or opportunity to arrive, there are seasons in our lives where we just have to wait.
I love Advent because of the truth it tells. And I understand that we live in an impatient society where waiting is rarely valued. So, I think holding onto Advent for a time is important. I don’t think that means we don’t sing any Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, however. I think it means communicating the value of this season as a reflection of real life – and the real faith that we share in Jesus Christ.
So, as you lean into Christmas… don’t go so fast. Take the time to acknowledge, like the psalmist, that waiting is a fact of life too. I know that waiting for my pup to grow into discipline will be worth it – and, by accepting my need to wait, I’ll be gentler with him and even happier when it finally happens. Take time to savor the sounds and sights of this pre-Christmas time… and you’ll find the holiday richer… and worth the wait.
Lord Jesus, help me not to hurry through this month… or through my life. Let me trust in you by being willing to wait for the joy to come. Amen