I was shadowing an experienced teacher in the (futile) hope that I would become an effective catechist. Whenever the class got unruly she would lower her voice, hold up her hand and whisper, “You’re going to miss it.” The class would quiet in expectation. That is a perfect image of the season of Advent. Jesus tells us, “Be vigilant at all times.” Or, more simply in another place, “Watch.” Our society tends to blow right by Advent in the eagerness to get to Christmas. Advent has a particular rhythm that is necessary in the spiritual life. The attitude of watching reminds us that something is coming over which we have no control. The promise is that it is worth waiting for. Don’t miss it!
