Waiting this 2nd Week of Advent

Nativity with God Father and Holy Ghost, Pittoni

Waiting for the coming of the Savior is an important theme of Advent. Throughout the Old Testament, we find many prefigurements, prophecies and typologies for the Savior. Sadly, we often fail to teach the Old Testament – which was the only Scriptures at the time of Christ! When Jesus explained how He fulfilled the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-53), it was the Old Testament that He referenced. We need to teach the Old Testament to understand that Jesus is the Savior. We believe Jesus is the Christ not because He worked wonders or was a good teacher – after all, there are other wonder-workers and great teachers. We believe Jesus is the Christ because of the many ways that ONLY the Christ could fulfill the Scriptures.

With Advent fast upon us, it amazes me how eager children are to count-down the days to Christmas. Of course, they may be thinking of the presents they hope to receive, or chocolates to find in Advent calendars. How hard it is to not each them all on December 1^st! We can use this natural anticipation to teach the true meaning of Christmas, as well as important lessons for every day life! 

Waiting is an important lesson to teach children – or adults for that matter. We are driven by our desires and impatient in our world of instant gratification. We recall the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” Patience must be practiced. As parents and catechists, we must teach children to wait – and why. We may defer to others (out of respect), we may put off our impulses (with restraint), and we must consider the proper order and use of things (our responsibility). Advent is a wonderful time to slow down and enjoy the anticipation.

This Advent, consider making Jesse Tree ornaments with your children and review the Old Testament. Evangelium Press has a wonderful coloring book with ornament patterns found at the back – available in print or download. Learn the Scriptures and unite yourselves with God’s People as they prepare for the coming of the Savior – and learn to watch for the coming of the Savior – the true meaning of Christmas!