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Good morning I wonder if you’ve ever had the urge to eat all the chocolate in your Advent calendar at one go? So far this year I’ve resisted, but there’s still time….

Patience is a virtue – but not an easy one to cultivate, because our natural instinct is wired for immediate pleasure and results.

You know this already if you live with a hungry baby – or a child who’s excited about Father Christmas –

It runs right across the generations – even people who don’t have to be anywhere ever, can become frustrated when things get delayed.

This tendency towards impatience is perhaps the reason  we may find Advent so difficult. As a society, we are prone to jumping the gun  - so the Christmas jumpers are already sold out, the streets have been festooned in kitschy lights for several weeks – and if you haven’t ordered your turkey by now it may be too late. 

We’re behaving as though it’s already Christmas – when we still have 9 days to go. 

And a space that’s meant for contemplation and reflection has morphed into the most frenzied and stressful time of the whole year.

So today, why not take an occasional pause for breath?  For reflection and the opportunity to ponder the great mystery of the Incarnation and the risk God took in coming to us as a helpless, vulnerable child.

And by the way,  it turns out that even chocolates are more pleasurable when you eke them out for a whole month.

Lord, the ancient prophet said that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Help us to derive our strength from you in this Advent season – to be patient and hopeful and to enjoy each moment you give us.

Amen