What Are You Waiting For?

Start this lesson plan by playing Unlock Your Future. This exercise will not only be engaging but also a practical demonstration of the virtues of patience and teamwork. (See the complete instructions.)

As they struggle and cooperate to unlock the combinations, the youth will inevitably experience moments of impatience and frustration, mirroring the waiting period of Advent. This game is a metaphor for the spiritual preparation during Advent, where the ‘unlocking’ symbolizes opening our hearts to Jesus.

Post-game Discussion Questions:

• Reflecting on Patience: Ask the youth if they felt impatient during the game and to share their experiences. This question will lead them to introspect about their natural inclinations towards patience or impatience.
• Efficiency vs. Rushing: Inquire if they found that rushing through the combinations helped or hindered their progress. This question encourages them to think about the quality of their actions when under pressure and the importance of deliberate, thoughtful effort.
• Team Dynamics: Discuss how well they worked as a team. This query focuses on the importance of community and cooperation, essential elements in the Christian journey, especially during Advent.
• Relating to Real-Life Scenarios: Link this experience to real-life situations of anticipation, such as waiting in line for an amusement park ride or the start of a concert. This connection will help them relate the patience and teamwork in the game to everyday life experiences, emphasizing the lesson that patience often enhances our experiences, making the awaited event even more rewarding.

As we move from the engaging experience of our game to our scripture reading, let us carry with us the lessons of patience and teamwork. These qualities, so vital in our game, also echo profoundly in the spiritual journey of Advent.

We now turn to Mark 1:1-8, where we encounter John the Baptist, a figure emblematic of preparation and anticipation. In this passage, John prepares the way for Jesus, exemplifying the very essence of waiting with purpose. As we delve into these verses, consider how John’s actions and message can inspire us in our own Advent journey, teaching us to wait not just with anticipation, but with active and meaningful preparation for the coming of Christ.

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist Prepares the Way) – the Gospel Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Advent – Year B

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed:

“One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:1-8

Waiting is hard. We often find ourselves frustrated when we have to wait, whether it’s for something small or something big. We don’t always know what to do while we wait. Think about some times when you have been waiting recently. Maybe it was for a friend to pick you up, for your turn in line, or for a slow video to load on your phone. It’s easy to feel like we’re wasting time in those moments, but what if we could make that waiting meaningful?

It might help to know that waiting is something we all do a lot of. Here are a few interesting facts collected in a survey done by Timex, a watch company:

• On average, human beings spend about 6 months of their entire lives in line
• We spend about 21 minutes watching for someone else each time we go out.
• We spend about 38 hours each year at a standstill in traffic.

That’s over a day and a half each year spent just sitting in a car! Then there’s the time spent standing in line, which adds up to around six months of our lives. Six whole months of waiting! Waiting is a regular part of life, but it can be boring and frustrating.

But here’s something to think about: is waiting easier if we’re excited about what we’re waiting for? Most people say yes. When we’re looking forward to something good—like Christmas, a birthday, or a vacation—the waiting feels a little better. We’re eager and hopeful. It’s a different kind of waiting than, say, waiting for a dentist appointment or for school to let out on a long, dull day.

During Advent, we are waiting for Jesus. It’s not the same as waiting for a pizza to arrive or for a bus to come. This is waiting with a purpose. It’s waiting with anticipation for something good—actually, someone good—Jesus! This kind of waiting can fill our hearts with joy and hope because we know Jesus is coming to us at Christmas.

Let’s look at how this plays out in today’s Gospel reading about John the Baptist. He was a man who lived in the desert, dressed in rough clothes made of camel’s hair, and ate locusts and wild honey. It’s not exactly the kind of person we’d expect to draw big crowds. Yet, many people went out to see John. Why do you think that was? Maybe they were tired of their daily routines. Maybe they were looking for something different, something real, or something that could change their lives.

John’s message was clear: he called people to repent, to change their ways, and to prepare their hearts for someone greater than him—Jesus. John knew that Jesus was coming, and he wanted everyone to be ready. He told people to “make straight the paths,” meaning they needed to clear away the obstacles in their lives that stood in the way of Jesus. This meant getting rid of sin, selfishness, or anything else that blocked the path to God. John was urging the people to use their waiting time wisely.

Imagine if you were one of John’s followers. You’ve traveled out to the desert to see him, and you’re listening closely to what he says. Then, he suddenly tells you that someone even greater is coming. What would you think? Would you feel excited, or maybe a little confused? After all, you’re already following John, and he’s the one who called you to repent. But now he’s saying that Jesus is the one you should really be waiting for.

John the Baptist had a rare kind of humility. He was happy to step aside for Jesus. He didn’t try to keep the crowds for himself. He knew that his whole purpose was to point others toward Jesus. That’s an important lesson for us, too. Advent isn’t just about waiting for Christmas presents or a holiday break from school. It’s about preparing our hearts for Jesus. And that means turning away from our own desires and focusing on what Jesus wants for us.

So, as we go through Advent, let’s think about our waiting. What are we waiting for? Are we using this time to grow closer to Jesus? Maybe we can spend a little extra time in prayer. Maybe we can help someone in need, or work on a habit that’s keeping us from God. Maybe we can be more patient with others, just like we are called to be patient during Advent.

John’s call to “make straight the paths” is a call to remove anything that gets in the way of Jesus. It’s like cleaning up a messy room before a special guest arrives. We want to be ready. We want to welcome Jesus into a heart that is open, clean, and prepared for Him.

Advent is about waiting, but it’s also about change. It’s a time to look at ourselves honestly and see what we need to fix. Maybe it’s a bad attitude, maybe it’s selfishness, or maybe it’s a lack of prayer. Whatever it is, this waiting time is a chance to make things right.

So, think about it: how can you make this Advent different? How can you make your waiting time count? It’s up to you how you use this time. But remember, the more you prepare, the more joyful it will be when Jesus arrives. This is what Advent is all about—waiting with hope, waiting with joy, and waiting with a purpose.

Before starting the discussion, remind the group that Advent is about waiting and preparing for Jesus. Encourage everyone to share openly, but also listen respectfully. The goal is to explore how we experience waiting in our daily lives and during Advent. There are no right or wrong answers. Allow time for everyone to speak, but don’t force anyone to share if they’re not comfortable.

Small Group Reflection Questions

• What’s the hardest part about waiting for you? Think about a recent time when you had to wait for something. How did you feel? Did you handle the waiting well?
• Why do you think John the Baptist attracted so many followers? Imagine being one of those people traveling to the desert to see him. What do you think drew them to his message?
• John called people to “make straight the paths” for Jesus. What obstacles do you think can keep us from Jesus? How can we start to clear those away during Advent?
• Advent is a season of hope and preparation. What are some ways we can make this Advent different? How can we use this time to grow closer to Jesus?
• How do you feel when you wait for something good? Is it easier than waiting for something you don’t care about or dread? How can this help us understand waiting for Jesus?
• What are you waiting for in your own life? Is it something exciting, challenging, or difficult? How can you invite Jesus into this waiting time?
• John was willing to point others to Jesus, not himself. Why do you think this was important? How can we be more like John in leading others to Jesus?
• How can waiting be meaningful instead of frustrating? What are some things you can do to make your waiting time more focused on God?
• What is one thing you can do this week to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Is there a small change or action you can take to make your heart more ready?
• Advent is about repentance and conversion of heart. Is there something you need to turn away from as you prepare for Christmas? How can you begin to make that change now?

Encourage the group to be honest with their thoughts and to support each other as they share. Advent is a journey, and we are all in it together!

In this week’s challenge, we encourage each of you to commit to undertaking one or more actions that will help you prepare spiritually during Advent. This is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and drawing closer to God, mirroring the anticipatory waiting that John the Baptist exemplified.

An especially meaningful step in this journey could be participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If it’s been a while since your last confession, consider this a unique opportunity to renew your relationship with God, to seek forgiveness, and to receive His grace. The act of reconciliation is a profound way of preparing your heart for the coming of Christ, just as Advent invites us to do.

Additionally, remember that preparation during Advent isn’t just about personal reflection; it’s also about reaching out to others. Consider complementing your journey towards Reconciliation with acts of kindness, service, and prayer. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering for a community service, or spending extra time in prayer, these actions embody the spirit of Advent. They not only prepare us internally but also manifest the love of Christ in our communities.

This week, let each action you take be a step towards a more profound spiritual readiness, echoing the preparatory call of John the Baptist and the anticipation of Advent.

Offer prayer intentions. Consider using the Litany of John the Baptist as a closing prayer.

As we conclude our lesson on Advent and the anticipation of Christ’s coming, let us join together in a closing prayer, the Litany of St. John the Baptist. A litany is a form of prayer characterized by a series of invocations and responses, typically led by one person with the group echoing each petition.

As we pray this litany, let us be inspired by the life of St. John the Baptist, whose unwavering faith and dedication prepared the way for Jesus Christ. May his example guide us in our own preparation during this Advent season, helping us to focus on the spiritual journey towards Christmas and the coming of our Lord.

Themes

• Waiting for Jesus: Advent is a time of waiting for Jesus’ birth. It helps us prepare our hearts for His arrival. This waiting is filled with hope and joy.
• Active Waiting: Advent encourages us to wait actively. It is a time to repent, pray, and do good works. We make room for Jesus as we wait.
• Preparation for Christ: Advent is about getting ready for Jesus. We reflect on what stands in the way of our relationship with Him. This waiting includes a call to change and grow in faith.
• Patience in Waiting: Waiting takes patience. Advent teaches us to trust God’s timing. We learn that good things come to those who wait.
• Hopeful Anticipation: Advent is filled with hope as we wait for Jesus. This hope brings joy to our hearts. It reminds us that God always keeps His promises.
• Spiritual Growth: Waiting can help us grow closer to God. During Advent, we focus on prayer, forgiveness, and love. This spiritual waiting prepares our hearts for Christmas.
• John the Baptist’s Message: John called people to repent as they waited for Jesus. His message is still for us today. Advent is a time to turn from sin while waiting for Christ.
• Joyful Expectation: Waiting for Jesus brings joy. Advent reminds us that our Savior is near. We wait with happy hearts, knowing Jesus will soon come.
• God’s Promises Fulfilled: Advent reminds us that God keeps His promises. We wait, trusting that Jesus will come as our Savior. This waiting teaches us faithfulness.
• Conversion of Heart: Advent invites us to change as we wait. We examine our hearts and remove obstacles to Jesus. This makes our waiting meaningful and real.

Background Material

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year and helps Catholics focus on hope, repentance, and joyful anticipation. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” which means “coming.” It reminds us to look forward to Jesus’ arrival, both at Christmas and at His Second Coming.

The Bible encourages us to wait on the Lord with patience and hope. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” This waiting is not passive. It is active, requiring us to seek God’s will and turn our hearts toward Him. In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist embodies this call to prepare while waiting. Mark 1:3 describes him as “a voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John’s message teaches us that waiting is more than passing time—it is a call to change our lives.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) explains that Advent helps us prepare for both Jesus’ birth and His return. It states: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming” (CCC 524). This quote emphasizes that Advent is a time of waiting, where we learn to desire Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Waiting is central to our faith. The Old Testament tells stories of people who waited for God’s promises, like Abraham, who waited for a son (Genesis 15), and the Israelites, who waited for freedom from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3). Their waiting was often difficult, but it showed their trust in God’s plan. In Advent, we are reminded of their faith and hope. We are invited to reflect on our own times of waiting and how they can help us grow in patience, faith, and trust in God.

Catholic teaching also connects Advent with conversion of heart. This means turning away from sin and toward God, just as John the Baptist preached. John called for a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). In the same way, Advent invites us to examine our lives and remove anything that keeps us from Jesus. This waiting helps us make a fresh start, clearing a path for Christ to enter our hearts.

Advent’s waiting is filled with hope. As we wait for Jesus, we remember that God’s promises are true. Isaiah 9:6 prophesied Jesus’ birth, calling Him the “Prince of Peace.” This gives us confidence that God’s love is real and that Jesus brings peace to the world.

Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a special time of waiting that helps us prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus. It calls us to turn from sin, to hope in God’s promises, and to welcome Jesus into our lives. This waiting, filled with faith and love, helps us become more like Christ.

Music Suggestions

• I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)
• Find Us Ready
• Prepare the Way
• Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
• Waiting Here for You
• People, Look East

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Looking for more lesson plans and reflections like this “What Are You Waiting For?” Advent lesson plan? Visit our website for free resources designed for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists. You’ll find a variety of lesson plans to help youth prepare for Jesus’ coming and more. These easy-to-use lessons encourage meaningful conversations about faith, waiting, and preparing our hearts for Christ. Check them out at our lesson plans page.