Across the Pastor’s Desk

By the Rev. Andrea Myers, associate pastor of Grace Lutheran Church

Last Sunday afternoon, my husband and I drove down to Iowa to visit his family. As our local radio station faded into static, we searched for another. I was shocked to suddenly recognize the familiar strains of “Feliz Navidad” coming through the speakers. The all-Christmas-all-the-time station was already on the air!

During the same weekend, we had enjoyed watching one of the early “Harry Potter” movies on TV. We were astonished to hear ads promoting their countdown to the 25 days of Christmas. Beginning Nov. 20, they will count down to Dec. 1, when they will count down to Dec. 25 by playing one Christmas movie after another.

Really? Already in mid-November? Uffda.

It all has me wondering: Why is it so hard for us to wait? Grumble as we might about how the stores that display Christmas trees alongside Halloween costumes, there seems to be a growing number of decorations appearing in neighborhood yards and living rooms.

Please, don’t call me a Grinch. I love Christmas! However, I am concerned about this urgent need to rush its arrival. For I have also noticed how tired my friends are by the time Christmas finally arrives. When four weeks of preparation become six or eight weeks of decorating, shopping and parties, there is little energy left when Christmas Day finally arrives.

As a society, there’s not much room for waiting anymore. Technology has increased our expectations for immediate answers. Ease of access to goods and services has encouraged our desire for instant gratification. Yet, even as we pursue our own pleasure, who can deny that we seem more frustrated and disappointed than ever?

I would argue that reclaiming the art of waiting could be a remedy. When we wait, we get to fully prepare ourselves. When we delay, we heighten our anticipation. When the moment finally arrives, we can focus on the joy and pleasure without the fatigue and frustration.

This year, save up some of your traditions for a few weeks. Simplify your expectations, and allow yourself to rest as you prepare. Find a way for you and yours to focus on experiences and time together, instead of stuff and things.

As Christians, we are a people who wait. Not for the Christ child, for he is already with us. Not for Easter morning, for the empty tomb is already a part of our history. We wait for the Lord, for the day when he returns to fully redeem our world and usher in his new creation. We live in hope. We wait in expectation. Today, and every day, we prepare ourselves through prayer and devotion so that we will recognize signs of his appearing among us. And that waiting is filled with joy.