The fourth week in Advent draws near. This year it is exactly one week before Christmas. The schedule is difficult for a pastor because it means that Christmas eve is on a Saturday night, and the next day you have to rise, without time to catch your breath, and celebrate Christmas day with your congregation. Again I remind you of the importance and value of expectations. There can be great joy in anticipation.
In your brief breaks each day during this week, begin to sketch out an experience of joy that you can share with another person. The experience you plan now should be one that you can actually do after the rush of the season has subsided. The first decision is about who would you like to have that experience with. The second decision, maybe reflected on during the break on the second day, is what you would like to do that would be a shared joy. On the third day, contact that person and discuss with them and see if you can match your calendars and find a good day for your experience. On the fourth day sketch out some of your expectations for how you and your friend will enjoy that experience. On the fifth day, write a brief prayer of thanksgiving that reflects your joy in anticipating that experience. Depending on your relationship with the person you have invited to share that experience with you, you might want to share with them some of your reflections. That way both you and the other person get to share in the joy of anticipation.
