Hidden
“And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Mark 13: 37
Hidden
Advent is an annual exercise of the church that sharpens our senses and heightens our hope as we look for Immanuel – God with us. Advent is a time to stay focused, stay alert and stay awake.
John Milton observed, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This is an Advent reminder to slow down, wait and be patient. If, in our haste, we fail to see God, it is not God who is hidden. If we fail to find God, it is not God wh
o is concealed.
Rather, we are the ones who have lost track of the divine presence in our lives because we have been so busy following trails that lead nowhere. Even if the trail seems beautiful, we dare not forget that there are times when the best move is to stop and wait. The smart move is to wake up and pay attention to what matters.
As you stay awake and look for God this Advent, even if this is a troubled time when God seems to be hidden, please remember it is part of God’s nature to want to be found. Like a child playing hide and seek, God will whistle, hum a tune or give you a hint so you can find God who is now and always will be God with us – meaning God with you.
Bruce Yoder is Vice President for Philanthropy at the YMCA of Greater Richmond. He can be reached at yoderb@ymcarichmond.org and on his profile page here.
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