The elusive Advent pause – December 5, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22; Amos 5:1-17; Jude 1-16; Matt. 22:1-14

It is Advent, a season of waiting. We sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. We celebrate the coming of the Son of God, who was, and is, and is to come. As we count down the unknown number of days, Jesus calls us to be ready and get ready in today’s difficult gospel (Matthew 22:1-14). This rhythm of spiritual readiness ran askew to people in Jesus’ time, and it holds true in contemporary cultural ways today. Preparing for Christmas often includes shopping, decorating the house, making travel plans, and the like. And while these are all practical ways of getting ready through Advent, God calls you and me to go deeper as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

It is sometimes hard for me to get to that space of an Advent pause. The hustle-bustle excitement collides with “Silent Night”. I need reminders to get re-centered and then a practice or two to try being present and still. To help me, I ordered a book called Pauses for Advent by Trevor Hudson. One quote grounded me this morning: “Life is lived in the pauses, not the events.” Pausing is holy and hopeful and meaningful – and the in-between is where value is. Pausing is where my mind and my heart get caught up, and I truly feel what is stirring within me. It is not always easy or convenient to pause. And it is important for our wholeness as beloved children of God to do so.

I leave you with one more image as I commend leaning upon a spiritual practice for Advent. In music, the crescendo is captivating because the instruments and choir build to that point. It is like a scaffolding up to the summit. The Advent framework helps us to climb to the event of Jesus’ coming. It is good to prepare, because the celebration of Jesus’ coming is to be taken seriously. The gift of Jesus is the greatest present offered to humanity.

Over the next three weeks, join me in preparing to welcome Jesus, so that we will know and feel the adoration for Christ on Christmas. It is then that we will proclaim wholeheartedly, “O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord”. Until then, let us live in the pause of a holy Advent.

With God’s help,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Think of a time when pausing was easy for you. What made it meaningful? What spaces of slowing down are you choosing to incorporate in your day today? Maybe it is savoring your lunch, or making time to call a friend.

Take a pause to pray and be still this Friday in Advent.