Thought for the Week

Waiting for a bus, waiting for a train, waiting for an appointment; these are often wasted times as frustration grows and the tedium of a watched clock passes slowly.

We may pass the time on the mobile phone, count the number of cars that pass and divide by 42, but we really don’t know how to wait with purpose and meaning. This is not our culture anymore. The Christian time of advent recalls a different rhythm of life; an older and more meaningful one.

We know it is advent because the shops sell advent calendars and advent candles to mark the last 24 sleeps till the BIG day, but really the first Christmas trees have been up for ages and the shopping displays and internet adverts with their seductive “buy me, you – or a loved one – really need me” message have confused our thinking for many weeks.

So what is this advent time truly about?

Properly it is a time of waiting to rejoice in the birth of the saviour in a cow shed in Bethlehem; but it is waiting with intent, purpose and meaning, not frustration wishing the time pass quicker.

When we do this, we properly consider the difference His life and message made to the world and has done for two thousand years.

The message of hope: of challenge to power and riches, the support of the bullied and the downtrodden, wrapped up in the announcement that the Kingdom of God has come.

We pause, we appreciate, we are grateful. This is the period of waiting. May God bless you this advent.

Ken Coulter Church Leader Rutherglen Baptist Community Church