“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5.7-8)

 As we begin the season of Advent, it seems appropriate that the scripture is about farmers waiting for the precious crops from the earth. Being patient can be challenging but it does allow us some time to think and reflect on what is important in our lives. I think some people have experienced this during the pandemic lockdown as well.

 Reflection:

Advent is a waiting time,

*we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus,

*we await Christ’s second coming,

*but God waits for us too.

 Opening Prayer:

Almighty God, we begin this advent season as an advent people – ready to do your will. Let your blessing come upon us as we begin this season of Advent. May it turn our hearts to you in the days ahead. Grant us the peace and joy we long for, as we await the coming of your Son with patient hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 God lives today, and so … our first challenge is to bring Jesus to life in our own living, to become aware of his presence, the presence of the Spirit within us, prompting us, sustaining us, working through us, waiting for us.

 Week One: Come, long-expected Jesus.

Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive our prayer in the hope that we may do our part in God’s own work for justice.

 Sharing time: What hope do we have for the world?

 Closing Prayer:

O God, open our hearts to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. Guide us in your ways of compassion so that we may extend your love and mercy to all people. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

 Prayer retrieved and adapted from https://www.cwl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/704-Advent-Reflection

 Peace and blessings to all as we journey through Advent, waiting patiently for the joy of Christmas.