“Now be patient…until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has the autumn rains and the spring rains! You to must be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon.” James 5:7-8
My days are all spent
in decorating my house.
I am forever preparing
for your arrival.
I hunger for your presence
yet I take not the time
to wait for your coming
and to my great sorrow
you never arrive.
It is because I refuse to be silent
that I cannot hear you.
It is because I refuse to await you
that you cannot come.
It is because I refuse to be idle
that I cannot enjoy you.
It is because I am too busy
hanging decorations that I cannot welcome you home.
Yet in your deep wisdom
your presence leans toward mine.
You understand my decorations to be symbols of my hunger
and you know of the day when my heart swept clean
will be the only decoration needed
and I will listen for your coming like night awaiting day.
-Macrina Wiederkehr
Action: Spend 10 minutes in silence.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to sweep my heart clean this Advent season. Help me to discern what I need to let go of to make room for you this Christmas Season. Amen.