Advent is a Season of waiting. Christians begin a new wait (not a wake, though we should come awake) each year, as the Christian Calendar commences it's own season passings. Advent begins the Christian year. Ironic, that, for our global seasons' calendar comes to an end in December while the Christian Calendar then begins. In fact, November 29th this year was the first of the four Sundays of Advent.

Am I ready?

Ready for what? For more busy, rushing, consumer-oriented busy-ness? Well, perhaps not so much, but I do welcome time with family, colleagues and friends; parties and gatherings and such. And lights and colours, candles and carols. Frankly, I love it all and welcome it again each year. Every year I become as a child again, at Christmas, full of wonder and anticipation.

But I'm not sure I understand nor am I ever really ready for the Prince of Peace to come, the Christ of Christmas who wants to make entry into my life, into our world - coming more fully and deeply in. That is, even daily I'm not sure I make much space - not enough for Him really, let alone the relatively little space when we think of Him, in the Advent emphasis once a year.

I like the way the diurnal sunflower constantly faces the sun and marvel how its face moves with and follows the sun's rotation (or is it the earth's?) throughout each sunny day. I wonder if I could pay more attention, face more often, more constantly, more lovingly and obediently, the Son of Righteousness, my Lord Jesus.

He comes to us and to our world, this Son of Righteousness, 'with healing in His wings.'

Do we notice? Do we marvel, welcome?  Are we ready?