Emmanuel, “God is with us,” —even when we are not paying attention!  Advent darkness and candlelight invite us to pay (more) attention, to savor this mystery of our Christian faith.  It’s a time of expectation, hope, deep peace, joy in the midst of our often busy and distracted days.

As we wait for God,  Isaiah reminds us that the waiting is on both sides:  “…the Lord waits to be gracious to you; …blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.” ( Is. 30:18)  Maybe schedule some time for attentive waiting and blessing!