The Invitation of Advent
In a world full of noise, distraction and hurry, redemption’s song can be difficult to hear. But, if we learn how to be still—to wait with patience though howling winds of insecurity or ambition, earthquakes of disillusionment or disappointment, fires of suffering and grief—we’ll discover His still, small voice singing underneath it all. His voice is strong yet gentle. His song stirs hope and passion again. The melody feels like home; like utter belonging. The lyric is good news of true freedom, real peace, full joy, abundant life. Jesus calls us to sit up, lean in and pay attention.
That’s the invitation of Advent: slow down, quiet the noise, look and listen for the coming of Christ. In Jesus, He has come as good news for the humble and the meek, and He will come again to bring justice and complete peace. In the meantime, as the lyric from “O Little Town of Bethlehem” says, “to all who will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in”. I believe this is not just referring to the moment of Christian conversion but is also an invitation to fellowship, to abundant life, to experiencing the kingdom of heaven in the here and now.
And to receive Him now, we need unhurried souls—not inactive souls, not unproductive souls, but unhurried souls. He won’t force Himself upon us. Even as we wait for his coming, Christ invites us to make room for Him. We need times of silence, solitude and stillness to learn how to slow down and wait on the Lord. As we learn to hear His voice in those spaces, we can begin to pick up on redemption’s song even in the noise and busyness of our everyday lives.
I think of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 when he was on the mountain waiting and listening for God’s voice. Remember how His voice finally came? Not in the strong wind; not in the earthquake; not in the fire... but in a whisper. If we’re to hear His voice, hear the whispers of God, we need times of quiet and meditation to help train our ears.
Our prayer is that you would take time to listen this Advent season. No matter where you find yourself in this season, God wants to meet you there. He is whispering hope and peace. He’s rejoicing over you in a song of relentless love. Slow down, quiet the noise, lean in and listen. Redemption is singing. The King is coming.
“And to receive Him now, we need unhurried souls—not inactive souls, not unproductive souls, but unhurried souls.”