Waiting not over.....

If only life were simpler and we could always be certain of neat and tidy answers! Advent waiting is truly over for some, as Christmas dawns; it is over for all of us as we mark December 25 as the day we move into a celebratory time, remembering and giving thanks to God for his great gift of his Son.

Yet in a way, there would be 'waiting times' that are not over. Our lives are always going to involve waiting, hoping and trusting. This is the longing that will keep us looking to the coming of Christ as King, in glory.

I realize that I am still 'waiting' through this Christmas season. Nothing of immense proportions. I am waiting for an answer from the director of a CPE (Clinical pastoral education) program - whether or not she can take me in for part time training, in Jan and Feb 2009. She is waiting for confirmation from a few people who are listed, and if anyone cancels and a space opens up, she will be able to take me in. This is not a difficult waiting - except that it means I have had to keep the days clear in my diary, for the moment.

I also wait for the results of a medical test that I had yesterday. And have arranged to have more tests over the next week - this year end I have decided that I need to get over with these necessary 'maintenance checks'. Well, I guess nothing too worrying, but then you never know, especially at midlife - when the incidence of many disorders is on the rise!

There are also many more difficult and significant waitings that people experience all round the world - will they lose their job in the new year? will the business be sustainable? How will they make ends meet? These are all major concerns during this time of world financial crisis.

We are still enjoying the Christmas season revelling in the remembrance of our Lord's birth. May even our difficult waitings be bathed in this light of joy and praise, of trustful hope and surrender. Some waitings may be somber yet be embraced within the Peace that is everlasting.

And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven

and peace to all who enjoy his favor!"