In the first of her meditations for the journey towards Christmas, Sr Teresa White considers the poignant signature tune of this time of year

God’s promises are accomplished within the boundaries of time. The promise of a Saviour was made in the Garden of Eden, but it was fulfilled slowly, and many centuries were to pass before the coming of Jesus.

The scripture readings of Advent invite us to recall our faith history, to assume the posture of the expectant people of Israel, waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Messiah. Seeing what is happening in our world today, we realise, like our ancestors in the faith, that we have a very real need of a Saviour. So words like waiting, yearning, hoping, longing, listening, praying, and staying awake are Advent words, Advent concepts. Through them, we enter into the wistful atmosphere of the Advent season.

Three times in chapter 13 of Mark’s Gospel (which is read on the First Sunday of Advent), Jesus tells us, “Stay awake!” When we’re waiting, we’re “awake”, we’re on the alert for something or someone: news, a bus or a train, a dear friend, a family member, a letter, an email, a phone call, a Skype or text message, a sign or a sound, some information that is important to us. While we wait, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we will experience God’s presence in what is happening around us.