What are we waiting for?

Waiting is tough. I don't mean waiting 'till tomorrow to write that paper or study for that exam. I mean waiting for something you want so much it almost hurts, without knowing when or how it will happen.

Every year during Advent we look for ideas and inspiration on how to make this year's Christmas more exciting than last year's. Generally, there isn't much to go on. We're told to wait, we're told stories about waiting, we're told what to do while we're waiting, but what exactly are we waiting for?

To get us into "anticipation mode," pastors and Sunday School teachers tell us to "get ready and pay attention, because Jesus is coming!"

Jesus is coming? I don't think I know what that means. Will it be just like the last 2000 Christmases--getting ready to remember a baby who was born in a barn so that people all over the world can give each other presents? Or is he coming again this year, for real?

Neither of those explanations seems to work. Remembrance rituals (carols, candles, nativities, etc.) are comforting and familiar, but they don't create the level of excitement I want. And to be honest, I'm not really expecting the Second Coming on 25 Dec. 2004.

The people of Israel wanted a savior so much it almost hurt. Then a connection between divinity and humanity was forged as a young woman gave birth in a stable. Talk about unexpected: there was their savior, lying in a feed trough.

So Advent is a time to anticipate God's response to our longings, leading up to a celebration of the new ways Jesus enters into our human experience. That's a little vague. But leaving the matter open-ended might force us out of our comfort zones for once.

Surely the object of my longing doesn't look exactly like everyone else's. I wonder what diversity of answers might surface if we challenge each other to take Advent seriously. What or whose arrival will you be celebrating Dec. 25?

What are you waiting for?