I still remember the story I read as a child about the European/American pioneers trekking from the eastern USA to the western part that was being new developed thanks to gold and stories of plentiful farm land.
The trail went directly through territories inhabited by various tribes of native peoples. Those people weren’t thrilled with the invasion and were known to attack those “wagon trains” traveling through. At night the travelers would post guards to watch for attack. After a hard day of traveling, the guards would be tired. Falling asleep could be fatal for them all.
They solved a problem with a 2-legged stool. They could sit. If they dozed, the stool would tip over and awaken the guard.
The common lectionary for this year’s first Sunday of Advent included the thought of watching. It draws from an odd passage at the end of Mark. I thought of other watching, especially in Luke. There were shepherds watching their flocks. They, too, were observant for predators. But being awake, they could observe the angels and hear the message and take action. There was Simeon in the temple watching for the arrival of the Messiah. And there was Anna also at the temple watching for the arrival of the Messiah.
We are beginning Advent. Are you on guard, watching? What do you expect to see or hear? Who is coming? Where will you watch? Do you expect to see or hear Jesus? Where?
I watch. And wonder. And expect.
Faith Venture 
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