I am a preparer by nature. I must have been a boy scout in another lifetime because “be prepared” could be my motto. I always feel a little bit anxious if I find myself going into a situation unprepared. I was one of the kids who started looking at colleges at the end of her freshman year of high school, because I wanted to be prepared. Those who know me, know that I am a great list-maker and organizer.
Somehow though I don’t think this is the kind of preparation that John the Baptist and other prophets are calling us to with the coming of Jesus into the world. I think this kind of preparation actually involves doing less, organizing less, and getting rid of lists. For me the preparation needed for Advent is about taking time for quiet, prayer, and listening to God. It is about setting aside some of my regular busy-ness so that I can have space for Jesus to enter my heart. This is not easy. This sometimes involves saying “no” to some of the many good requests for my time that come my way during Advent. This means that some things will be left undone, even if they are on a list I have made.
May we all be blessed with less to do and more left undone this Advent season, that we made provide just a little space for Jesus to be born in our hearts.
Suzannah Rohman
Somehow though I don’t think this is the kind of preparation that John the Baptist and other prophets are calling us to with the coming of Jesus into the world. I think this kind of preparation actually involves doing less, organizing less, and getting rid of lists. For me the preparation needed for Advent is about taking time for quiet, prayer, and listening to God. It is about setting aside some of my regular busy-ness so that I can have space for Jesus to enter my heart. This is not easy. This sometimes involves saying “no” to some of the many good requests for my time that come my way during Advent. This means that some things will be left undone, even if they are on a list I have made.
May we all be blessed with less to do and more left undone this Advent season, that we made provide just a little space for Jesus to be born in our hearts.
Suzannah Rohman