Adventus (Latin) advent, coming

The invitation of advent is to watch and wait. These two complementary practices can shape something so deep it is hard to describe. These two invitations are centered around one singular concept: longing. Noticing and experiencing our longing for God is the most important part of the spiritual journey. We notice that we long deeply for so many things and then we begin to notice that underneath all longing is God Himself. It is not an experience of God and not doing something for God, but God Himself … who also longs for us. 

Advent is a season is to watch (notice) that all our longings are really longings for God. G. K. Chesterton said that “every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is knocking for God.” This happens as we wait. And, then as we wait. We wait for God. Not that God is somewhere else but we are often somewhere else and when we slow down and let our longings sit unfulfilled, we prepare our hearts for a deepening awareness of God.

We sit with questions. We sit with grief. We sit with whatever is not yet.

And, then, in that awareness of God that emerges, we begin to taste hope. This is the gift of Advent.

Watch and wait.

Lord, give me the strength to watch and wait. In my watching, give me eyes to see You. Give me wisdom and discernment. In my waiting, give me patience and also the freedom to be unfinished and incomplete until I see. Lord, I believe You are my deepest longing. I want to know it as well. Only in Your grace and by Your mercy. Amen.