Advent is a time for patience. Amidst the busy holiday rabble, preparing for family and festivities, it is easy to be found at our wits end. Even within our Advent contemplation, we can grow anxious for a million spiritual worries: Have I devoted this holiday season to God or to the world? Am I praying sincerely or from habit? Am I truly prepared for the coming Christ?

We often approach the holidays simply with a checklist – the cards to be mailed, the gifts to be bought, the prayers to be offered. Will the season be ruined if I miss one? Here, in the third week, these fears might even seem dire – but they are misplaced. Your loved ones and the Beloved only truly require one thing from you this Advent: you. Be patient with yourself and simply be present.

Ours is to know that to God alone belong the earth and the heavens, the movement and purpose of all things, and ours is to wait in humble patience and contemplation for His will’s unfolding. God knows the truth of your heart even when you might doubt it. All we can do is have the oil prepared; God will take charge of keeping our lamp lit. The morning has almost risen and the Bridegroom is about to arrive.

Oh Holy Divine, keep our hearts patient in Your Presence and our lamps lit for Your arrival. Amen.

Benjamin Griffin
Executive Assistant Institutional Advancement
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST