LogoNNN
The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

Opinion


advent candles 750pb
Waiting for Jesus during Advent

We are now in the season of Advent, and Ruth Lilley reflects that the period of waiting and preparing for Christmas can be of benefit to us all.

To be honest, I often tend to rush, whether it is in order to get to somewhere or to get a job done. Recently, I have begun to wonder why it is that, if I have to be somewhere for 7.00pm, I will aim to get there for 7.00pm! I have never been one to allow for unforeseen things along the way, and my mindset has always been one of not wanting to hang around if I arrive too early. What would I do with those minutes of waiting?
 
However, I am discovering that waiting is not necessarily a bad thing, and I am changing my mindset to appreciate those moments where I might just have to wait for five or so minutes because my journey went smoothly, or I purposely chose to arrive early.
 
During this busy season, I feel my changing mindset is going to be of benefit. There are not likely to be many spare moments as we journey through Advent to Christmas Day - sometimes it can even seem quite chaotic. Then, I feel, I can sometimes miss the reason for the waiting.
 
Jesus came, at the perfect time, to share love and peace. These gifts are still needed as much today as they were at the time of His birth. This year, especially, I believe there are many reasons why we might feel distant from these gifts. For some, it might be really tricky to comprehend that love and peace can be freely given.
 
However, this Christmas time, if we simply tread the next step, taking care to not miss those moments where we can wait and be still, then we can open our hearts to receive the truth that Jesus is still here with us now.
 
I hope, as we move through this season, I will continue to choose to slow down and find time to appreciate those moments of waiting, and as I receive the love and peace of Jesus be willing to share that with others too.

This article has also appeared in Good News for Norwich and Norfolk, published by Network Norfolk.

The above image is courtesy of Pixabay.com.


ruth starkings 150CFRuth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

 
 
 

The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norwich and Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users. 

We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here. 

Click here to read our forum and comment posting guidelines


3215 views
To submit a story or to publicise an event please email: web@networknorwich.co.uk