In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”
Three years ago, my life was marked by getting ready. We had just found out we were expecting our first child, and were thrilled to share the news of it with our Merry Christmas message to friends and family. In the months that followed, we prepared for this wonderful change. I was continually amazed at how my body changed and prepared to grow life within me, one that moved around when the organ played in worship and began to kick not long after. It was clear something special was happening. There were practical preparations, too – creating a baby registry of what we needed, and some things we wanted, putting together a crib and organizing a nursery, going to childbirth classes, reading books about what to expect and more. All of these things were good and helpful, but I remember still not feeling quite ready or prepared. As my due date came near at the beginning of the following summer, I was nervous, not quite sure what things were going to be life.
Remarkable changes can bring about a healthy anxiety for the future – especially when you know something is coming that is going to radically change your life. Truth be told, this is the same kind of anticipation we should have in Advent, because we believe that Jesus can and will change our lives.
John the Baptist, using the words of Isaiah, calls us to make ourselves ready because the time is almost here. As people of faith, we should be on the edge of our seats, excited to hear and see the story unfold yet again. We should also be up and moving, making and preparing a way – both in our homes and in our lives, for this good news to truly sink in. Advent is our “nesting” period, the time in which we are on the look-out for big changes. It might serve us well to be a little anxious about it if we remember how transforming and worldchanging God’s presence truly is. Advent should make us a bit uneasy, as signs of new life spring forth.
But, in the words of countless angelic messengers, do not fear. The amazing news of the season will be good. In fact, it is so good we can’t fully prepare for it. New parents can do all of those steps to get ready for a baby, but in the end, nothing can fully prepare you for that moment when you hold a little bundle wrapped in cloth for the first time. In that moment, all the anxieties and worries you had seem to melt away – and you are left with love. THIS is the moment we are preparing for in Advent – that time when we see that little child wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger, and are overwhelmed with love. May we not only take steps to get ready for that moment, but also make space in our loves to experience it when it comes.
Written by Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford
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