"Hark! my lover--here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills." Sg 2:8

It can be startling when the church invites us through the sacred texts to think of God as an ardent lover, someone who so desires our company that he will spring across the mountains and leap across hills. Is this possible? Are we to believe that God not only loves us, but like a young lover, is in love with us?

The last days of Advent assure us that there are no metaphors that adequately express God's love for us. That God is a lover, though beautiful and inviting, barely touches the fullness of   God's love for us. God is a nomadic God. No matter where we go to seek food and shelter, or to escape pain and suffering, God is there as companion, friend, advisor and lover.

It ought to be clear to every believer that unless we slow down each day to appreciate God's love, we will miss its force and import. While the last days before Christmas can find us scurrying around for one last gift, we need to take time to respond to the God who yearns to be nearer to us than we are to ourselves.

Today, take five minutes to waste time with God.

What most helps you to prepare for the love of God in Jesus?