Scripture Reflection, December 9: Patient Expectancy

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 11: 1-10
Psalm 72
Romans 15: 4-9
Matthew 3: 1-12

This Advent is providing some especially meaningful lessons for me.  I am engaged to a wonderful man named Tom and we are in the midst of planning our wedding that will take place this summer.  I am finding many parallels between the season of Advent and the actual planning of a wedding.   As one friend recently explained, Advent and marriage preparation are times of “patient expectancy.”  Unfortunately, I am not a patient person.

During Advent we mark each new week with the lighting of another candle.  As a child I remember my excitement at watching that new candle being lit and counting down the weeks towards Christmas, wishing it would come faster.  Of course, I was looking forward to all of those Christmas presents from Santa, but I also remember enjoying the family traditions of a big turkey dinner on Christmas day.  I had the job of setting the table, and I took delight in making sure each plate, glass, and piece of silverware was placed just right.  Clearly, I was meant to plan events and conferences at an early age.

It would seem that making plans for a wedding would also cause me great delight.  I confess—they do not.  I suspect my reluctance stems from a notable weakness of mine: patience.  I find myself impatient with the entire wedding industry that wishes to sell us more than what is necessary; impatient with my husband-to-be as we actually learn what we each mean when we say we want a simple wedding; and most importantly, impatient with myself as I try to reconcile my own expectations with others.   Advent and these wedding preparations are making me, as well as Tom, define what is truly important to us.

The two Biblical characters that make an appearance this Sunday provide important guidance as we decide personally and communally what really does matter.  Isaiah, whose words paint an image of a peaceful and just world, challenged the leadership and status quo of his day.  Clearly, he was hopeful for a wise and fair leader: “The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding… Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted…” Isaiah’s words have meaning for us today—we are expected to develop solid and healthy relationships and to react fairly and compassionately when wronged.  Simple as it might seem, this is how we can do our share in preparing for the coming of Christ.  Isaiah’s patience, too, can be inspiration.  His lasting commitment to the vision of peace and justice speaks of his perseverance and stick-to-it attitude that we all should cultivate when living and dealing with others who have differing priorities and expectations.  

John the Baptist demonstrates a similar commitment to the reign of God.  In the Gospel, John unleashes a tirade on the Pharisees and Sadducees when they come to his baptism: “’You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance… I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.  I am not worthy to carry his sandals.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fan is in his hand.  He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’”  Through his message, John shows his excitement for the coming of Christ, as well as his impatience with others who did not understand the implications of baptism.  I take comfort in knowing that John had his patience tested, yet remained faithful to the vision and hope for a better future.

As Tom and I continue to make arrangements for the wedding, I pray that we can be faithful to what is really important.  I am reminded by the scriptures that beautiful results only happen when the real work is done.  The real work is not finding the perfect dress, having the prettiest flowers or serving the best chicken ever, but valuing communication, showing respect and, most importantly, being patient.  

By JoEllen Windau