Advent Unwrapped: It’s Time to Hurry Up and Wait!🕯️❄️

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Last year, my son completely went through his Hot Wheel Advent calendar before December even started. I tried to explain that Advent is about waiting. His response: “Why mom? Why should I wait? Aren’t you the one who is always saying Christ is here? Why wait to celebrate someone who is here all the time?” Good question kid! I responded by eating the chocolates in my own Advent calendar, while pondering his question: “Why wait?” Does waiting help to make the celebration more special? Is it spiritual discipline that builds character? Is it a life lesson for all of the times when we are forced to hurry up and wait? Is it a counter-cultural protest, to slow down in a society where we have invested so many resources into instant gratification and quick services? Why wait during Advent? Good question. What I do know is that I am willing to wait for things that I love. Even when my to do list is ridiculously unmanageable, I joyfully wait for my son to play with a snail on the way home from school; the smile and wonder on his face is always worth the wait. I imagine that God waits on me all the time. I imagine that God is waiting for the world to change every day, and is waiting on each of us to change it. Advent is about waiting, but maybe it is about a loving and expectant God waiting on us, just as much as it is about us waiting for love incarnate. Here are some resources while we wait. For Everyone Let’s talk about mental health during Advent with social worker Natasha Halliday.  Reflect more on waiting and on hope with this Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy and these short reflections from Global Partner Rose Wedderburn.  Wondering about Advent and what it all means? Check out our video, What is Advent? and our resource The Basics of Advent. Have some fun with our Advent bingo cards!  Lastly, don’t forget about our Spiritual Practices for the Whole Family.  More worship and prayer resources can be found on the Advent Unwrapped theme page.  If someone has shared this email with you (thanks!) you can subscribe to this newsletter. If you have any ideas or suggestions for Advent Unwrapped, please join the conversation on social media or send us an email at worship@united-church.ca. Waiting with you, Alydia Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Your generosity enables the United Church to love, serve, and minister in the world. Make an online donation or learn more about your options to support the work of the church.

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