Anticipation - December 20, 2023

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]
Zech. 3:1-10; Rev. 4:1-8; Matt. 24:45-51

Anticipation. This is a season of more waiting than usual. Waiting in line to check out at the grocery store. Waiting to receive the book that got lost on the first shipment. Waiting to merge on the interstate due to heavy traffic. Waiting for Christmas to get here so that we can have family gatherings, favorite menu items, and open gifts. There is wonder and hope in this space.

There is also exhaustion. And maybe frustration. And anxiety. Why? Because we know these big events are coming. Plans are put in place. And, it is not yet time for them to happen. We wait. We get ready. In the waiting, our minds wander. We remember the disappointments of the past. We wonder if others will show up, or make the ham the right way. We yearn for easier times. We dread the family tensions that could flare up.

All of that superfluous work and worry is not ours to do. In Matthew 24, Jesus tells his friends to keep awake, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” (v. 44) He moves into a parable contrasting faithful and wicked slaves when no one is watching over them. Jesus says, “Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.” (v. 46) The Messiah is not urging his friends to fret. He is guiding them to keep engaged and not get complacent. That is what faithful relationship looks like, as we keep the bonds among us taut with meaningful connection.

Though we wait with anticipation for the coming of the Lord Jesus, we have an invitation to participate in life. Whether our “other duties as assigned” are complete or not, we get to practice the spiritual discipline of centeredness. And we can start it now. It only takes a minute:

1.     Sit up straight in a chair, with your feet touching the floor

2.     Place your hands lightly in your lap and close your eyes

3.     Breathe in and breathe out, slowly and deliberately

4.     Listen to the sound of your breath

5.     After a minute (or more), open your eyes

6.     Take note of how you feel and what thoughts are upon your mind

(This and other mindfulness exercises are available at psychcentral.com.)

In Advent hope as we prepare to welcome Jesus,

-- Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Put your anticipations and hopes into prayer to God. Listen for where God is strengthening you to live more deeply. Pay attention to the spaces and people that sometimes get overlooked in the excitement - especially those who are sick or homebound.