ADVENT
Active waiting
Luke 1:46–55

Into my heart, into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today, come in to stay.

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

—Harry D. Clarke (1924)

This is an Advent song I remember well from when I was a young girl. We sang it in children’s choir every year, using sign language as we sang those simple yet powerful words. Of course as a child I did not recognize the connection between that beautiful little hymn and the word Advent itself. Advent is Latin meaning "to come." And as we celebrate this Advent season, we are indeed saying "come to us, Lord Jesus." Advent means waiting. We are waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

And how should we spend these weeks so filled with great anticipation and excitement? As a child, I spent them waiting for Christmas presents, waiting for Christmas dinner, even waiting for enough snow to fall so I could go sledding during Christmas vacation. Now I know better that what we are waiting for during this season that spans most of December is our Lord Jesus, who promises peace and justice for all. We are waiting for the one who brings good news, who shows mercy and love, and who turns hierarchy on its head and lifts up those in need.

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." (Luke 1:46–55)

So today, it is these words of Mary’s song, the Magnificat, that most clearly come to me during the Advent season. Mary knew that the baby she was waiting for meant good news, especially for the poor, the lowly, and the hungry. During this Advent season, we should wait both with the excitement of a child waiting for Christmas and with the knowledge that those in need also are waiting for the coming of Christ. We can wait actively, giving of our time and resources. Just as Mary waited with Elizabeth, we wait for the Christ Child not alone, but with others, singing together, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."

Offering Prayer: Good and gracious God, as we sing our songs of Advent praise this season, let us wait actively for Jesus’ light to shine, remembering those in need who are also with us, waiting. Amen.

Emily Hansen is an associate for programs for Women of the ELCA in the areas of grants and scholarships, stewardship, and justice issues related to poverty and wealth.