It’s all about the Kingdom and the birth of Jesus. The readings for this week talk about the coming of God, and they tell us to be brave and patient. “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You too must be patient.” That’s not always easy. Some of us have had “desert experiences” in our lives and we’ve been very worried while waiting for the Lord to come to us. We need to be reminded, “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God… he comes to save you.” And God always does.
This time of year, I sometimes wish for the return of summer’s long, warm days. But I remember, as a child growing up in the Adirondacks, I never heard complaints about the winter. Somehow, we managed to see its beauty — it “was what is was,” and nothing we could do would raise the temperature even one degree, or cancel out the next snowstorm. Winter was a type of “desert”, a time of waiting, another “advent”, but one that we understood and accepted. How could we appreciate the flowers of spring if we saw them every day? Each season of the year — like each season of life — has its beauty.
Advent days were times for visiting friends and family, sending Christmas cards and sometimes, making Christmas gifts. Making gifts was important – there were times when we didn’t have enough money to buy gifts. Did that matter? No. Gifts that are patiently made with love create memories that stay with us for a lifetime. The theme is eternal – a time of waiting and loving preparation leads to a time of fulfillment. All of this is in God’s plan, and all of it has a purpose.
When I look back in time, I see what Isaiah speaks about today. The gifts given to me when I was a child became my joy and healing, both then and now. I was living in a child’s blessed Kingdom and couldn’t see it. Now, when I remember how much I was loved, my aging eyes open a bit more. I am hearing the gentle Gospel more clearly, and I am assured that the eternal Kingdom that Jesus brings to us is the fulfillment of all out wishes and hopes. Let us take time each day to “settle ourselves” and remember the words of the Sacred Scripture – and listen to the voices of our family and friends, Ans let us thank God for all out blessings during this time of waiting.
-Dot Hathway, CSJA
