Holy anticipation,
That breathtaking space in-between
What has been, what is, what is-to-come.
Where winter dreams reveal secret longings
And winged angels announce the coming of Love.
You draw us to the edge of Advent possibility…
~ Pamela C. Hawkins, Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent
Advent Gift of Anticipation
I purchased the tickets several months ago and told my family, after the fact, that we all had tickets to attend Beyond VanGogh on the Saturday after thanksgiving in Portland, OR. Since viewing some Van Gogh original paintings at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris several years ago, I have been fascinated with Van Gogh’s expressive art. I had watched as various friends from around the country attended one of the several travelling immersive Van Gogh exhibits. As I reflect on the advent gift of anticipation, I am reminded that anticipating being surrounded in Van Gogh’s painting helped me prepare for the actual experience. Although I had imagined what the exhibit would be like, the actual experience, shared with my family, took my breath away.
Advent is a time of anticipation. It is that weird time when we know that Jesus has already been born yet we await the celebration one more time. How are your children anticipating Christmas? How are you anticipating? I imagine that I am not the only person who is not very good at waiting but our waiting can heighten our experience.
My prayer for you this advent is that you will be able to take moment to stop in the midst of all the parties, worship celebrations, shopping and decorating to enjoy the gift of anticipation. As Pamela Hawkins writes- take time in that breathtaking space in-between what has been, what is, and what is to come.
Come, Jesus, Come. AMEN
Grace and Peace, Roberta