It's Saturday

....so what better than a Friday Five?

Over at RevGals, Mother Laura says:

Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!

Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.

What makes you rejoice about:

1. Waiting? Waiting is great...I need lots of little stepping stones of happiness to aim towards, and the anticipation is an important part of the journey. It's why Christmas Eve is the most wonderful night of the year...Leaving the house dark but for the tree's lights, which hint the mysterious shapes of parcels jumbled beneath its branches and walking through silent streets to a church taut with candlelit expectation and deep stillness. In that moment, the experience to come is almost more real than when it truly arrives. I love it.

2. Darkness?
The restfulness of not needing to look out for faces, familiar and less so, who expect and need a greeting as I cycle up to church
Pinpoints of light.
Stars on a frosty night.
The candlebridge in the window welcoming me home.

3. Winter?
Hibernation by a real fire...Books, cats, children home, gentle creativity...

4. Advent?
Oh - real Advent is one great cause of rejoicing. This year started well, with the best Advent Carol service I've been part of since Cambridge, I think, - but since then I've blown it somewhat, for no discernible reason...The Advent book has not been followed daily, the pauses for thought have just not happened - but perhaps I'll pick up the threads when we reach the 17th and embark on the Great O antiphons - which carry the longing of centuries.

5. Jesus' coming? Adrian Plass tells a wonderful story of a hell fire preacher who placed an empty chair at the head of the nave in church and told his congregation to imagine that Jesus had returned and was sitting there..."Now aren't you fearful of his judgement?" the guy thundered and Adrian Plass sat there feeling excited and longing and happy all at once...That's where I am. Those Isaiah passages looking forward light up parts of me that could overwhelm me with longing at any moment. I feel always on the brink of tears of yearning as we wait on His coming