The winter solstice marks the shortest and darkest day of year. Daylight is in short supply and the nights are long. It is the time of waiting. We are especially aware of waiting in the season of winter. Advent is the long wait for Christmas and the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger. It is the time for sending cards, decorating the tree, special celebrations and worship services, gatherings with family and friends. We teach our children and grandchildren to wait with Advent calendars and countdowns to Christmas Eve, but even adults are restless in the wait. And then it is over so quickly. The toys aren't as exciting, the tree drops needles everywhere, Christmas decorations grow a bit dusty, and the bills begin to arrive.
Most of us have just been through the coldest Christmas in years and we find ourselves now waiting for things to thaw. For longer and warmer days. Maybe waiting for the plumber to fix broken pipes. For a Happy New Year. We as a people are not good at waiting. I think that's why God makes us wait so much. We need the practice.
