Friday Five: Rejoice!

From RevGals...

Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!

Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.

What makes you rejoice about:

1. Waiting?

I love anticipation, sometimes even more than the event itself. The standing-on-the-tips-of-your-toes feeling is so much fun, and you have the luxury of dreaming about what the fulfillment of your waiting will look like.

2. Darkness?

This is how you know I have Scandinavian blood coursing through my veins (and I mean north of the Arctic circle blood, which is where my grandfather came from) - I love winter. I love dark days, short days. I love snuggling up in bed with flannel sheets and a down comforter and a good book and a hot toddy. I love the richness of lights inside when it's dark outside.

3. Winter?

I guess the "darkness" answer covers it, except to add that I also love wearing sweaters, so winter is the season for me.

4. Advent?

Preparation, anticipation, winter, light...all good. I also appreciate the chance to work with a distinct theme during such a short season. Advent worship always feels 'tighter' to me - in a good way - where music, scripture, and prayer work together in a more intimate way.

I dislike the over-emphasis on John the Baptist, though (I'm fine with one Sunday, but I don't know if the guy needs two - in a row) so this year we've bailed on the lectionary. Normally I am quite faithful to it, but during Advent and Lent I feel more free to choose other options. Another reason I like Advent.

5. Jesus' coming?

It's hard to know exactly what that phrase means. I know I should look forward to Jesus' coming more than I do, and the truth is that I don't spend much time thinking about it. Perhaps this is something I shouldn't admit, but hey - this blog is pretty anonymous.

A few weeks ago I was at a continuing education class and the professor said he has a reputation among his colleagues for a certain behavior when presiding at communion: "When we pray, 'Come, Lord Jesus'," he said, "I look up for a minute to see if he's here. Because that's not just an empty phrase, right? I mean it; I'm in love with Jesus and I miss him and I want him to come back. And I don't want to be bowing my head and miss it."

I realized as he said this that I don't have that same sense of longing, most of the time. I say, "Come, Lord Jesus," when I preside, and then I keep going without even taking a breath. He gave me something to think about.