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Are we there yet? You know this inevitable question especially if you've ever traveled with children. It's more a question of "when" it will be asked as opposed to "if" it will be asked. It's really simply a matter of how long it will take for the question to pop up in the journey.

I remember how I would bombard my parents with this question when we would travel to see my grandfather in the nursing home. The trip always seemed endless, and that it would take forever to get there. The question started from the moment I sat in my seat. Only recently I have learned that my grandfather's nursing home was less than five miles from our house. It was an eternity for this 4-year-old future pastor.

Are we there yet? It's an appropriate question in this season of Advent. We are inundated with images of Christmas, as if Christmas was already here. Honestly, I've never wanted to be one of those pastors who are scrooge-like and complain, but when you see the holiday decorations go up before Halloween, you have to wonder.

Are we there yet? Advent images speak of hope of what will be. We hear about preparing the way, of blossoms in the desert, dry terrains that will blossom into lush gardens and be refreshed with cool, clean water. Even here in New England, this desert image speaks volumes to us. For it is through this arid vision that we have a glimpse of hope.

For we all have desert experiences. Honestly, I'd rather have dessert experiences, but these desert experiences are as varied and different as each person who picks up their copy of The Sun Chronicle. We all have our trials, the things that keep us up at night and weigh heavy on our hearts. The desert wilderness is a common experience for all of us: a place where we feel lost or alone, abandoned or hopeless. It's such a common experience that both the scriptures and our faith take it seriously. Desert times might also be called in-between times, slumps or valleys along the journey between mountaintops. During these emotional highs, it's easy to feel God's presence and see God's actions among us. However in the desert, gaining a sure sense of God's presence can be very difficult.

The gift that the season of Advent brings to us is the gift of stories and images that we may embrace as our own. We are given glimpses into the eternal rule of God, glimpses into the fullness of the kingdom to come. These images of salvation, of God's salvation, serve to strengthen us.

Are we there yet? Well, yes and no. May these images encourage us in our journey of faith. Let us look and listen with open hearts for the promise is being fulfilled. The season of Advent points to Immanuel, God who is with us.

The Rev. Julie Haspel-Schoenfeld is the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Attleboro. She has been ordained for 17 years, and has served congregations in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. She is married to the Rev. Hans Haspel-Schoenfeld and enjoys being a mom to Jonathan and Nate.