I went to a football match recently, our local team, Barnet, the ‘Bees’ after their distinctive orange and black striped kit. Remarkably, I stayed to the end. I actually enjoyed the match! My grandson, team mascot for the day drew me in of course, but there I was cheering and joining in the revelry. Into the first half, I was missing something. ‘Where’s the ref?’ I whispered to my daughter-in- law. We scanned the pitch, locating a lime-green figure amongst the sea of orange and black. Now I admit I’m not an avid football follower, but 20 minutes into a game without locating the ref is a bit of a disgrace. I was surprised myself, but I’d been so mesmerised by the speed, skill, agility, teamwork, that I’d missed the obvious.

It made me think: what am I looking for, what am I missing?

More recently popping out to the bread shop, I realised I wasn’t enjoying the walk, just wanting to get there and back home. Now I enjoy walking and, puzzled about why I couldn’t just enjoy this walk, I became aware that in my professional life, perpetually vigilant in case I missed something – I was always anticipating the next thing.

It made me think again: what am I looking for, what am I missing?

And now, Advent, journeying to Bethlehem: star, shepherds, angels, paraphernalia of the Christmas story, trees and stockings, traditions, shopping for the ‘big day’, and wrapped in tinsel, the tiny baby hidden in the frenzy. None of this ahead of the first Christmas, but different kinds of anticipation: prophets from Genesis to Malachi, Zealots wanting to restore the temple, some looking for a conquering king, others the return of Elijah. Anticipation, but few saw or understood.

What were they looking for, what were they missing?

Am I looking? What am I looking for? What am I missing?

‘Stand still, the trees ahead and the bushes beside you are not lost. Wherever you are is called here…’ [from ‘Lost ‘by David Wagoner].

This Advent, I’m challenged to stand still, in the moment, see, really see, enjoy the journey and, eyes wide open, be surprised once again, the incarnate God come to earth, a Baby.

Mel Adams