Waiting. Let’s face it, no-one likes it.

Maybe it’s a London thing but waiting even two minutes for a Tube, bus or train gets me huffing and puffing.

And it’s not just me. From instant streaming to next-day delivery, we want things now and society gives them to us almost immediately.

We simply can’t wait. Every second counts.

But waiting is good for us. The meaningful things in life – from raising children to political change – take time. Advent is an opportunity to remember this.

As Christians we need to take the time to pause and be reflective. The season of Advent is all about waiting. We are all waiting in anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

So let this Advent season be a time of excitement and anticipation, a time with loved ones and family, a time of hope, a time of peace and quiet contemplation, a time to slow down, a time to just be.

That way, when Jesus does arrive at Christmas, our hearts and minds can know the full impact of his arrival.

By Daniel Hale (Million Minutes Trustee)