Kinda like ketchup.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
–Carl Sagan


Maybe you remember those old commercials for a popular brand of ketchup. The TV screen is filled with a juicy, perfectly-cooked burger; a ketchup bottle is poised over the beef, and as Carly Simon sings, slowly . . . s-l-o-w-l-y . . . the ketchup oozes forth in all its glorious thickness. Wide-eyed children watch, their eyes—and taste buds—eager and waiting.

Anticipation. . . .

Advent is a little like that.

All around us, at every shopping center and department store, we are surrounded by the frantic sights and sounds of the holiday season. Everything is a hurry-scurry, buy-me-now bargain. We seek the newest, the brightest, the best—and the best deal. Grab it, go—and move on to the next stop, quickly! No time for peace on earth, it seems.

But if we manage to slow down long enough to worship, everything changes. Relax, whispers the Spirit. Pause with me. Take time along the way to enjoy the journey. Lift your eyes—did you see that shooting star? Breathe in the crisp, chill air, let it fill you up. Listen for the quiet sounds of peace in the wing, of Love being born—again—in a manger. “The best” doesn’t come with a price tag.

This year, take your time. Advent is a walk, a gentle journey to be savored, even when we are certain we know what happens next. Our God is a God of surprises, of truly wonderful gifts well worth waiting for.

Monday This week we lit the candle symbolizing Christ the Way. Ponder what this means for you. Does your life reflect the Way? John 14:5-6

Tuesday During this busy season, pause today and deliberately rest in God’s presence. Try to be still for at least five minutes. Reflect and thank God for the experience. (Tomorrow—go for six minutes.) Matthew 3:1-12

Wednesday Today, be very deliberate in letting something go. Whatever you choose, during your prayer time, hand it over to God. (No take-backs.) Isaiah 7:10-14

Thursday How do you feel about quietness? Today, if you are in the car, turn off the radio. In the silence, be aware of your feelings. Praise God. Habakkuk 1:5

Friday Take some time today to think about your life story, painful moments as well as victorious ones. Be aware of what feelings arise. (Tears allowed.) Consider journaling. Luke 1:26-38

Saturday Today as you pray for yourself, reflect on your basic nature. Do you tend to be upbeat? Complaining? Patient? Grateful? Is there room for change? (Ask and see what happens.) Habakkuk 3:17-18

Sunday, December 13 Notice today how you (and others) address God. Who is God to you: Father? (Mother?) Eternal? Spirit? Gracious? Jude 24-25

Patience is not simply the ability to wait—it’s how we behave while we are waiting. –Joyce Meyer

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