Advent means waiting.

But actually, I hate waiting. I’m one of the most impatient people you’ll meet.

Know what I mean? – the feelings of frustration when you get into a check-out queue and the other line is moving more quickly. Doh! Used to happen in banks, but most of us just line up at the Interac machine nowadays.

Know what I mean? - when three highway lanes are almost at a standstill as in homebound traffic they merge into two lanes – and some impatient ‘uns clip along on the right so that they can squeeze in ahead of you – sometimes far ahead of you, at that last juncture and minute where their lane ends. Grrr.

Advent is about waiting. Again, something most of us aren’t very good at. Even when waiting in the doctor’s office, or for some other scheduled meeting, we grab our iPhone or Android product. Surely, there’s a game to distract us, a call to be made that will pass the time, a puzzle or picture that will fill in the necessary pause.

But what if some such pauses are necessary? What if we should pause more, take the time when given to do something constructive? – like nothing, or maybe to meditate or contemplate (mentally ruminate). Certainly it would help if we’d do that more before we pontificate, obfuscate or learn to skate (sorry . . .).

So Advent – waiting it is; but even then there are things to do, things to consider – something about Hope, and Peace, and Joy - and Love.

If we paused (took some time or had, it seemed, precious time taken from us) to consider those categories, then perhaps we could lean a little more into those realities that we find, and then thoughtfully respond with appropriate consideration, grace and even sacrifice.

Wait for it.