This week has been a bonus week in the life of the church.Often Advent begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving which “rushes” us into the Advent season while still celebrating Thanksgiving. I am reminded that during Advent we wait. Waiting is not something many of us are very good at, especially when we know that JOY is at the end of that wait. Advent, a time to reflect and prepare our hearts for the celebrated arrival of the Christ child. For many of us there seems to be so much to do. Decorating, baking, shopping, Christmas parties of every kind. There are those who go through the emotions, the motions, that live out the expectations of those around them. I have learned that for many, Christmas isn’t always a joyous time in their lives.Memories sting at the heart of who they are. This past week Jon and I went to visit a friend I have known for 30 years. In recent months Bob has been fighting leukemia with chemo and blood transfusions. When we saw him , he was in a weakened state. Speaking softly on occasion, observing what was going on around him. When I spoke to him of Christmas caroling, his eyes lit up! I reminded him how some weeks we would carol night after night raising funds for children’s organizations, singing from door to door, singing at company parties and of course singing for friends. Bob looked up and with a quivering lip, the tears began to fall down his cheeks. I believe that there were several thoughts going through his mind. This year, no carols would he sing, this year, no big festive gatherings to share his voice, his laughter with. And yet, we have not given up. I anticipate that through the halls where Bob now resides he will hear Christmas carols , the tree will be put up in a hallway where he can see the lights and admire the ornaments…and Bob along with all of us will wait. We will wait for only for the Christ child’s birth to be celebrated, we will wait for Jesus to call one of his angels home. It isn’t the type of waiting we look forward to but what we know is that meeting Jesus face to face is how Bob lived his life. It has always been at the heart of who he is, who he will always be and in some, uncertain way, we will sing to him…Sleep in heavenly peace… People are some of the greatest Christmas gifts that we are given. Look around and see who is in the family? who stands on the edges? Invite them in, they may be just the gift YOU are looking for and need, without knowing it. Happy Advent, enjoy the wait. A voice cries out:“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3