Advent 1

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and already I have run into a grandmother who was up at the crack of dawn to get a gift for her grandchildren at a local electronics chain. What a contrast to those who waited for that first Christmas. I imagine Mary a young girl praying with her family as they gathered for the sabbath meal. How could she even imagine what awaited her. And yet as one who listened and waited for God's promises to be fulfilled she could say "yes" at the crucial moment.

During the coming Advent days I encourage you to find moments in your day to stop and practice being still and listening. It does not have to be anything long or fancy. You could just gaze into the distance, into the eyes of your child, your spouse a friend. Just stop and join all those who wait for the Kingdom of God to fill the earth. Try turning off the radio or music in the car. If children are in the car with you play a listening game. Ask everyone to be quiet and listen for a couple of minutes and then report all the different sounds they heard. Little by little increase the time of silence. After some practice ask them to listen to their hearts, to that inner voice of God. You may be suprised how much they like it.