We are standing at the cusp of the new church year. And I am standing at the cusp of the birth of our first child.
Usually, as a priest, I spend most of my energy at this time of year dedicated to Advent and Christmas. I’m thinking about all those fantastic hymns that I love, I’m lining up folks to serve at our additional services. All because we are celebrating the new thing God did in the birth of Jesus.
Of course, I’m hardly thinking about any of that this year. Turns out that having a baby is a big deal. So I’m thinking mostly about the nursery, diapers, and helping M. get through labor.
(Now let’s not be silly. I did most of those Advent and Christmas preparations about a month ago. It’s a blessing and a curse, but that’s how I roll.)
Anybody who is talking to me right now knows that I am oozing anticipatory energy. I’m alert, awake, and every time the phone rings or I get a text message I wonder, “Is this it?”
I can’t think of any other better lesson for Advent. This is the season in which the Church reminds us to stay awake, be alert, and keep an eye out for the advent of our Lord.
During this Advent season, may you anticipate the coming of our Lord just as zealously as you anticipate the birth of your child.
“Watch, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.” Matthew 13:35, 36
the rev. jimmy abbott 