One of the prominent themes of the Advent season is the theme of waiting. One of the favorite lessons about waiting is found in Jesus' Parable of the Bridesmaids, which was read as our New Testament lesson for this morning, and was echoed in the anthem performed by the Contemporary Singers, "Keep Your Lamps!"

Jesus' parables are often based on customs that were familiar to the audience to which he first addressed them. The Bridesmaids is no exception. I understand that the custom, which is reflected in the parable, is still practiced in the Middle East today. I read an article written in the newspaper, by a man who was staying at a luxury hotel in Cairo. He went down to the lobby, and to his amazement, saw bridesmaids carrying candles, looking for the bridegroom to take him to the wedding…