When I was a young child, I would often lay awake at night and my imagination would run wild. My parents were trying to be helpful by leaving the landing light on so that my sister and I would not be afraid. However, the long shadows that this threw across our bedroom doorway only served to fuel my vivid imagination.
As far as I can remember I never heard any voices, unlike the boy Samuel in today’s bible reading. He lay awake and heard a voice calling his name. He initially thought it was his boss, the ageing priest Eli, who was becoming increasing poor sighted, who was calling him. Eli eventually realises the voice that the boy Samuel is hearing is the voice of God, and so instructs Samuel to listen again and then respond to the call.
As we commence the period of Advent, when we wait for the coming of Jesus, are we frightened of the dark? Do we imagine we see or hear things out there that are ready to scare us?
Or do we wait patiently, eyes and ears tuned in to when Jesus will come again? Are we ready for him to enter into our lives?
Prayer: Loving Lord, you take away our fears and bring us into the light of a new day. Be with us as we wait patiently and listen for your call. Help us to have eyes that see and ears that hear, and may we be ready at the time of your coming. AMEN