Second Sunday of Advent
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”
Psalm 37:7
Every year I pride myself on keeping the month of December clear in my Planner. I’ll glance over on my desk and admire all those white blocks with nothing written in them. No shopping dates, parties, or appointments. No holiday luncheons or visits from out-of-town friends. I breathe deeply and smile. “This Christmas I’m going to keep the calendar clear and keep my focus on Christ,” I think. But of course, that’s in July.
Well, now it’s the beginning of Advent and here I am, addressing and stamping 350 Christmas cards, ordering the turkey, decorating the house, sending presents back east, checking out sales, buying wrapping paper on discount, rushing out for extra tape and ribbon, going to church and office parties, finishing up year-end business, and trying desperately to think of a special gift for Ken, the husband who has it all.
God always has to tap me on the shoulder during Advent… Joni, remember me? The reason for the season?
He did that one Christmas when I was sitting by the edge of a Christmas display set up on the floor of my friend’s living room. I was fascinated by the tiny box houses with lights in their windows, the angel-hair snow, and the train.
At the junction of the train station and main street, there was a little railroad crossing sign perched by the tracks. I looked closely and saw that it said, “Stop. Look. Listen.” I thought to myself… Stop. Look. And listen.
The little bell ding-dinged and the tiny train clattered along, running in circles. Round and round it traveled, repeating its journey every minute or so. And I realized—I felt like that train.
God didn’t have to tap my shoulder any harder. “Be still before the Lord, all mankind,” says Zechariah 2:13. “Be still, and know that I am God,” says Psalm 46:10. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him,” repeats Psalm 37:7.
Stop. Look. Listen. Be still before the Lord.
Good advice. When you discover yourself becoming dulled to the joys of this season, stop. Slow down the pace. Make moments when you look and listen for the Lord.
Joni Eareckson Tada’s 5-Part Advent Devotional
Need help being still before the Lord? Download my Advent guide and expect God to tap you on the shoulder.
