What are you waiting for? In the Christian church we are in a season of waiting and anticipation, Advent. Advent is not as widespread as keeping Lent. In Advent, Christians focus on getting ready for and anticipating the celebration of Jesus’ birth, Christmas. We also anticipate and wait for the ways God may break into our world at any time.

This Advent we all wait and anticipate Christmas day in many ways. Harpenden had its Christmas Carnival turning on the Christmas tree and lights on 24th November. On 5th December there were carols in the Red Cow pub. At St Nicolas Church we have Soup and Carols every Friday in Advent with people dropping in for 30 minutes' respite. Many churches hold various kinds of carol services and Christingle services. Businesses and firms hold Christmas meals and parties. Most everyone in some way is waiting and anticipating the Christmas advent. How are you waiting for and anticipating Christmas?

It is easy to get swept away in the commercialisation and pressure. I came across this little poem to help keep the meaning of our preparations in perspective: Christmas Thoughts, (Anonymous) "It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts; It’s not wrapping presents, its being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love; It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time; It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display, It’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart; It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, It’s Jesus coming down from heaven, and giving us the gift of eternal life."

I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.