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November 28th.
2007
COUNT DOWN
A number of years ago a friend of mine gave me a program for my computer
called “Count Down.” You simply type in the name of an upcoming event
and the date it is scheduled to take place. The program immediately
begins a timer that counts down the days, hours, minutes and seconds.
I use this “electronic hour glass” for everything from important
upcoming meetings and projects to certain rapidly approaching
“milestone” moments (think big birthdays). Organizationally, it is
helpful, but maybe its real benefit is the way it helps me
psychologically prepare.
This Sunday we begin the season of Advent. It is the time in our Church
Year that we focus on preparing, anticipating, and waiting for the
coming of our Lord. Our Sunday scriptures, prayers, music, as well as
our meditation booklets, all attempt to provide us with the Holy space
whereby we can more fully receive the One we wait for.
Waiting for most of us is not easy. That's why I think some geek-genius
created the “Count Down” program for my computer. In part, it's why we
have clocks and watches. We don't like waiting and all of these items
help us with our own, “Are we there yet?!” Frankly, I think that also
might be in part one of the reasons Christmas “begins” earlier and
earlier every year. We just do not like waiting for it.
On the other hand, if we used our “count down” time as a way of
preparing and anticipating that which we wait for, it can become holy
time rather than anxious time.
For many of us the best way of counting down through Advent to Christmas
is the Advent Calendar. When I was a kid we always had these great,
glittery Advent Calendars. My brothers and I rotated through opening
each new day's window. In our home we have an “antique” felt one where
our boys, first thing every morning of Advent until Christmas, put on a
new character.
Whether it is through an Advent Calendar or some other method my hope is
that in joyous anticipation you will count down the days to our Lord's
coming.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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