WBro the Rev. Philip G Cox PrAGChap.

Are we waiting for Christmas or are we anticipating the festive season? Waiting is essentially a passive thing and is often frustrating.

During and after the Second World War the British, then considered the world’s keenest formers of queues, often joined one of whose purpose they were unsure hoping, perhaps, for bananas or sausages when their turn came. Today we are less patient and complain at traffic jams, late trains, hospital waiting lists and check-out queues. Anticipating is, however, active and frequently rewarding. The best sportsmen and women are often those who can anticipate an opponent’s or team-mate’s next move. Anticipation of a family wedding or a holiday involves much preparation; seeking a fulfilling retirement or new job requires planning and considerable effort on our part; whilst providing an important meal can require near military planning.

Of course, life is not as clear cut as this. It is said, “To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.” Despite planning there can be ‘holidays from hell’ and family gatherings that underwhelm us. Conversely, stoical, patient waiting can be of great benefit to hyper-active, A-type personalities. Such waiting can be very therapeutic. As the prophet Isaiah advised the impatient Jews, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”

Nevertheless, this patient, humble waiting is a far cry from the child’s question, “Are we nearly there yet?” ten minutes into a five hour journey. Neither is it equivalent to the shopaholic’s frustration, an end to which is promised by the beguiling credit card advertisement, ‘Take the waiting out of wanting’.

Such waiting is essentially self-centred and tends to make us less receptive to the needs of others. Fortunately however, many are touched by ‘good will to men’ at Christmas making real efforts to raise money for charity and distribute warmth and companionship to the lonely and homeless.

Charitable giving, to be effective, needs preparation, the starting point of which is ‘In my heart’. I suggest a truly meaningful Christmas also requires preparation physical, mental and spiritual. For Christians, this is the season of Advent which anticipates Christ’s coming into the world just as Lent anticipates his death and resurrection. Whether we are committed to Christianity or not, most will agree the world was changed by these events and traditional values challenged - not least the choice between self-centredness and self-giving.

So, don’t wait. Anticipate.

May the Christmas season not disappoint you and those you love, filling your hearts with joy, peace and love.

WBro the Rev. Philip G Cox PrAGChap.

Ed45, p1