From my book Touching the Seasons – one hundred seasonal reflective prayers published by
Kevin Mayhew in 2006, price £7.99 – words reminding us of the sense of expectation and
hope that lies at the heart of this Advent season.
The expectant mother
She was counting down the days,
scarcely able to contain her excitement,
knowing that when the child came
life would never be the same again.
Would it be early?
Would it be late?
Who could say.
But the day would come, sure enough.
Lord, you tell us to look forward,
anticipating the dawn of your kingdom.
I’ve no idea when that shall be
or what it will mean,
but, however long the wait,
teach me to look forward expectantly,
assured that the day will come:
a day that will transform not only my life,
but the whole world, for ever.
Amen.