Advent is the beginning of the church year. It is a time of
waiting and expectation –– along with this comes wonder and, perhaps, even
anxiety. In our own waiting, we recall Israel’s expectation of a coming
Messiah. There must have been some serious concern, having returned from exile
to a land that was no longer their own, now wondering if God would remember
them. We recall the church’s waiting for Jesus’ promised second coming. Themes
of hope, love, joy, and peace are remembered as we anticipate this day.
We also recall Mary and Joseph’s waiting during Mary’s
pregnancy. One can imagine the joy they experienced as they awaited the coming
of their child. We can even read Mary’s celebratory song in Luke’s gospel. Maybe
they sat and talked about how they would decorate the nursery! One can also
assume, though, that there was worry –– worry over what others would think;
worry over Mary and the baby’s health; worry over being first-time parents.
It is this recollection that has made this year so special,
as Lauren and I wait in expectation of our child. It is an interesting time of
year for Lauren to be pregnant. We, too, are in the midst of anxiety as we
experience similar thoughts. Still, there is great joy. It has been meaningful
to think about how the giving of life has created life in her and how this
reflects the very nature of God. Even though morning sickness has been
miserable and more like “all-day sickness,” it is still meaningful that Lauren
is already offering herself (while in suffering) to our child. This kind of
offering will, indeed, never end.
And so it has been a special season of Advent, as we, in
some way, feel a sort of closeness to the story we remember and celebrate.
- Matt
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