Tuesday, December 15, 2009

December 15, 2009 - Expectancy

This time of year, we Christians find ourselves – if we can stop our frenetic holiday preparations for a moment and be still – in the season of expectant waiting known as Advent.

It’s a tough season for most folks to wrap their minds around. Anyone who pays attention to the liturgical year feels oddly suspended between the now and the not-yet. This isn’t helped by the fact that the recommended biblical texts for Advent are of two distinct kinds. On the one hand, there are apocalyptic passages that warn of the final judgment and the return of Christ to judge the earth. On the other, we’re handed kinder, gentler stories like the Annunciation: the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing Jesus’ impending birth.

It can be tough, during Advent, to figure out what, exactly, we’re meant to be waiting for. Are we waiting for Christ to come crashing in and judge this mad, mixed-up world for what it is? Or, are we imaginatively placing ourselves into the Christmas story, waiting for him to be born in Bethlehem again in our hearts and minds?

I have a new appreciation for the ambiguities of waiting, ever since entering my extended, watch-and-wait treatment mode. Of course, unlike the waiting associated with Advent, the thing I’m waiting for is not good. I’d just as soon have my lymphoma remain in couch-potato mode as long as possible. Yet, I do also live my life attuned to subtle signs that could develop.

Every three months or so, I go for another scan: a moistened finger held up to test the wind. Today’s the day: another CT scan at Ocean Medical Center.

Unlike the classic prayer of Christians, “Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come,” I’m very happy to keep on waiting.

7 comments:

judefrances said...

Carolos- Good luck with the scan today. I'll be thinking of you. Much love- Judi Zamzow

Ken Kovacs said...

You're in my prayer, Carlos.

dj2u said...

Prayers are with you as you wait for these results. Deb

Anonymous said...

Carl,

Praying that your scan results will be in your favor. Watching and waiting is indeed a challenge. Charlene & Harvey

Carl said...

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes!

Carl

HopefulLeigh said...

"Unlike the classic prayer of Christians, “Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come,” I’m very happy to keep on waiting."

I think everyone can relate to that sentiment at one point or another. You have a wonderful way of expressing yourself. I'm crossing my fingers for you!

Bryan said...

Good luck on your treatments. Hope you will have a longer life and more blogging to do. I'll be praying for you.