Advent – Three W’s of this Spiritual Season

Advent calls me deeper this year. For the first time in many years, the season of Advent stirs up prayers between the Lord and me about waiting, wondering and making way for Christ. God is nourishing my spirit and renewing my heart during this special time of year.

Waiting
This year I have a growing sense of waiting, but the pause simmers in hope, anticipation and obedience. All this comes after a year of learning to trust the Lord more. Often he would whisper, “Do you trust me, Jeanie?” and I would surrender my ego once again. Waiting. Waiting, Lord, for you.

Wondering
My senses are heightened like a scene in a movie where the music builds and you just know a dramatic moment is about to take place. My spirit is on high alert: Pay attention, look about you and see the world with the eyes of a toddler chockfull of curiosity. What will I learn? I don’t know, but this daily practice of optimistic inquisitiveness fills me with hope.

Make Way for Christ
This time of year spills over with planning, baking, partying, and organizing cards and gifts. Lives saturated with “When are we getting together?” and “Oh, no, I forgot to send them a card” type of mentality. Rush, noise, tight budgets, and overpacked schedules dominate everything. Advent invites me to pause to make way for Christ as my first priority. Intentionally creating time in prayer and study opens my eyes to see him coming as the baby in the manger. Like Christmas gifts under the tree, I unwrapped my heart to Christ’s anticipated return.

How has the season of Advent nourished your spiritual growth this year?