Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11
I know that it is Advent, but I have an experience to share that originated during Lent, another period of anticipation in our Christian calendar. In many traditions, Lent is a time when people voluntarily give up a pleasure to recognize, prepare for, and remember the sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday. This could be a food or beverage, some kind of entertainment – like watching TV, or even an attitude or behavior that comes a little too easily (like telling that inappropriate joke to get a laugh). I don’t always participate in this Lenten tradition, but a few years ago I made the decision to both give up and add something to my life for the 40 days of Lent.
Typically, my commutes to and from work are filled with the sounds of sports talk radio, NPR, and occasionally some music. For Lent that year I decided to “give up” the distracting noise in my car during my commute and add in silence. Let me just say that being alone in my thoughts is not a comfortable place for me. I wish that I were a contemplative. I admire them. But, it is not an experience I naturally gravitate towards.
As I reflect on that experience, I can only describe it as rich and disconcerting at the same time. It’s amazing what you can HEAR when you add silence to your life. What I heard during my commutes gave me perspective and reminded me who I was, whose I was, and who God is. I found unspeakable peace that would linger throughout my day.
Are you looking for peace in your life this Advent? Jesus is eager to give it to you. He promised to leave us with peace (John 14:27) and it is the first word He spoke to the disciples when He saw them after his resurrection (John 20:19-21).
Spend some time this Advent being still. Allow room in your Advent for the child you are celebrating. Take on a posture to receive the gift of peace from the Prince of Peace.
Spend a few moments now being still before God. I know the irony in the following suggestion, but you may consider reflecting on the words of this song by Steven Curtis Chapman.
(If you’re interested in discovering more about being still – I highly recommend Open Heart, Open Mind by Father Thomas Keating.)
Todd Thornton is a husband and father who’d rather be in the kitchen than the garage any day.