A photographer was taking a picture of a woman. He looked at her and said, “Smile pretty for the camera.” She gave her best attempt, and after a moment, the photographer added, “Alright, madam, you can now resume your usual face.” Did you catch that? Some of us are so used to carrying our regular “faces”—faces of worry, impatience, or indifference—that even when joy is expected, we struggle to wear it. The photographer’s jab wasn’t just funny; it was a invitation to reflect. Advent is here. What face are you bringing to it? Waiting or watching? That’s our theme today.
Waiting is passive. Watching is active. Waiting is like standing at a bus stop and hoping the bus will show up; watching is tracking its arrival on your phone, looking down the road, and getting your fare ready. Jesus calls us to watch during Advent, not just sit around waiting. In the first reading, Jeremiah tells the people, “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.” At that time, the Israelites were stuck in exile, waiting for deliverance. Jeremiah gives them hope, promising a King from David’s line who will execute justice and righteousness. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Now, let’s bring it to today. Waiting can feel like exile, can’t it? Maybe you’re waiting for healing, for reconciliation in your family, or for financial relief. The temptation is to become passive— to give up or let life happen to you. But watching changes everything. Watching says, “Even in this exile, I’m holding onto hope. I’m going to prepare for what’s coming.” Whatever you’re waiting for this Advent, don’t just sit still. Pray. Trust. Prepare. Let your hope be active, not dormant. Be like the man who prays for rain and makes moves to prepare for it. It is important to know that Advent isn’t just about you and Jesus having a private moment. It’s about how you prepare the world around you for His coming. Watching means growing in love, holiness, and readiness.
But let’s be honest: love isn’t always easy. Waiting on people to change? Hard. Forgiving them when they do not deserve it? Much harder. Watching for ways to serve them anyway? That’s what makes the difference. Example: You know that person in your life who’s difficult to love? Advent says, “Watch for opportunities to speak to them, to bless them.” It’s not about gritting your teeth until Christmas Day; it’s about letting God expand your heart every day. Let’s not just wait for Jesus to show up. Let’s actively watch for ways to show His love—through generosity, forgiveness, and service. While everyone else is panicking, Jesus tells us to watch with confidence:“When these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
This isn’t blind optimism—it’s a deep trust that God is in control. Watching means staying spiritually alert, not distracted by the noise of life. Advent isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more aware of Him. Remember the photographer’s jab? “Resume your usual face.” That’s us sometimes, isn’t it? Advent rolls around, and we slap on our usual faces—impatience, stress, indifference. But what if this year was different? Waiting is passive. Watching changes your face. Watching says, “I’m preparing my heart for something big.” That’s what Advent is—a season to raise our heads, let go of distractions, and actively seek Christ in our lives. Some Navy men are returning from months at sea.
As the boat approaches, they’re scanning the shore for their wives and girlfriends. The excitement is electric; the crowd is waving, shouting, watching with eager anticipation. But one man notices—his wife isn’t there. Disheartened, he rushes home. As he walks in, his wife turns to him, saying, “Honey, I’ve been waiting for you!” But he responds, “The other men’s wives were watching for them.” This Advent, we’re not called to be like the wife who was merely waiting at home. Jesus doesn’t need us to sit around idly. He wants us to be actively watching—eyes open, hearts ready, lives aligned to His coming. That’s the difference. Here’s the truth: during Advent, we’re waiting in two ways. Like our ancestors, we wait to celebrate Christ’s birth. Like the early Church, we wait for His return.
But waiting without watching is like leaving your door unlocked without ever checking who’s coming. Watching means being ready—spiritually, emotionally, even relationally— for what God is about to do. So, my people, the question remains: Are you just waiting, or are you watching? This Advent, don’t just light candles and sing carols. Let it be a season of transformation. Watch for Christ in the small moments. Watch for opportunities to love. Watch with a heart full of hope. Because when the ship comes in—when Christ arrives—you don’t want to be caught waiting at home. You want to be on the shore, arms wide open, ready to embrace the King of Kings. Amen.
