We have entered into Advent 2025. This liturgical season often holds the tension of a longing for stillness to wait for and ponder Christ’s coming anew in our lives at Christmas, AND being immersed in the seemingly relentless activity of the Christmas season. Not wanting to add MORE to your plate, I am simply going to share a short reflection that can be done as a slow breathing exercise. I will follow that by a short reading, and end with a favorite Advent prayer of mine. May one or all of these usher you into the stillness where the Great I AM longs to speak just to you.
A REFLECTION: Settle in to your favorite sacred space, and imagine God tenderly speaking these words to you as you breathe deeply and receive God’s love for you…
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
BE STILL AND KNOW… I CALL YOU BY NAME.
BE STILL AND KNOW…I DWELL IN YOU AND AMONG YOU.
BE STILL AND KNOW…I GIVE YOU MY PEACE.
BE STILL AND KNOW…MY MERCY ENDURES FOREVER.
BE STILL AND KNOW…BY MY WOUNDS YOU ARE BEING HEALED.
BE STILL AND KNOW…I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM.
BE STILL AND KNOW.
BE STILL.
BE.
A READING:
Advent is always a new beginning. It is actually a beginning and an ending. We are beginning a new life with Christ at the center, a life that is full with Christ. We are leaving and ending an old life. This must be so. There must be this movement…We need to relinquish and empty ourselves, so that the newness Christ brings can enter and have a place to stay. We as Advent pilgrims on the way to the manger—to the great newness that the child brings—must allow ourselves to pass through the desert where John is preaching. — “Our Journey to the Cradle,” Paul Harkness
A PRAYER:
For years, this has been a favorite Advent prayer—by Henri Nouwen
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Amen.
2 Comments
Joan Vega
Thank you, Cherry. I’m so thankful I took a moment to open this precious present when I was so preoccupied with so many things to do today. It reset the tone of my day and allowed God to fill me with peace.
Jenna
Thank you, Cherry! I really love that “be still” reflection. I know you have read that to me before 🙂 Incredibly grounding. Perfect to practice within these next couple weeks in particular!