You’ve probably walked into a store in October, seen Christmas decorations on the shelves, and reacted in one of two ways: “Christmas! Already? Yay!” or “What?! It’s not even Halloween yet!”
I’m definitely in the second camp, but even my October grumbling eventually gives way to childlike excitement. Whether we love it or roll our eyes at it, the commercial world pushes Christmas earlier and earlier each year, and it’s easy for our minds to get swept up in it. Deep down, however, we all know that waiting matters.
Waiting in anticipation is what makes things meaningful. Think of something you’ve pre-ordered, saved up for, or stood in line to get; the waiting built the excitement. If there were no waiting period, the payoff wouldn’t feel the same. If that’s true for earthly things, how much truer is it for Christ? That’s what Advent is all about: wait for it…anticipation!
In this Sunday’s second reading, James (5:7) reminds us to “be patient until the coming of the Lord.” That applies to both Christmas and Christ’s return. But patience doesn’t come naturally; it takes intention. So, how do we keep from rushing past the waiting?
1. Notice God in the moment.
God is always working—not just at Christmas but also in the quiet spaces of Advent. Pay attention to the gentle nudges, the small surprises, and the places where He’s trying to get your attention. A simple way to do this is with our Advent Action Book. If yours has been sitting untouched since the First Sunday of Advent, pick it back up. If you’ve been doing the simple actions each day, keep going! God often speaks through small and simple acts of kindness.
2. Make room for quiet reflection and prayer.
The noise of December can drown out the stillness that God wants for us. An Advent wreath is one of the simplest and most powerful reminders to slow down. Whether it sits in a quiet prayer space or on the dining table at family meals, let the candles remind you to create space for Him.
Here are a few simple prayers to use around your Advent wreath:
God of hope, awaken our hearts to you this Advent season so that when Christ arrives, we are ready to receive Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength. Amen.
God of peace, keep us from getting caught up in the busyness and chaos of the world around us. Help us to slow down so that we may find rest in your Son, Jesus Christ. As we prepare for His coming, make us instruments of your peace in our homes, our schools, our work, and our world. Amen.
God of joy, it is in your love that we find lasting gladness. Keep us from seeking happiness in things that will not last, for we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out of it. Teach us instead to find joy in the gift of your Son, who came into this world with nothing, yet gave us everything. May His joy overflow to all we meet this Advent season. Amen.
God of love, you sent your Son, Jesus, to shine bright like the sun, lighting the way for all who walk in darkness. May the light of Christ’s hope, peace, joy, and love shine brightly in us as we approach His coming, that we may be ready to welcome Him on Christmas and every day. Amen.
