Watching and Waiting: An Advent Thought

The reading, music, and prayers of Advent usually have something to do with the twin themes of watching and waiting.  John the Baptizer is a great Advent character because he watches and waits, especially as he states with confidence in John's Gospel that someone greater is on the horizon, the one who baptizes with fire not water.  Mary figures prominently, as she watches and waits for Jesus and for some kind of answer to her thoughtful question in Luke's Gospel, "How can this be?"  And who knows what Joseph expected? 

Watching and waiting are universal themes.  One does not have to be religious to know the frustration and joy of looking ahead. 

I remember hearing a dynamic, wise rabbi say once that Jews do not wait for the messiah, but for the messianic age.  He meant that Jews wait for a great day of peace, abundance, restoration, and love.  As an Episcopal priest and Christian, his words opened up for me the meaning of Advent.  What we are waiting for is not just the birth of Jesus, although I imagine that Mary and Joseph were overjoyed and relieved to hold their lively, healthy baby.  What we are longing to see is not just another human being, even when that person is God's son.  No, we are longing for the heavenly qualities of God to become commonplace and obvious, as bright as the face of a newborn.