Advent, a season of hope and anticipation, can often become a whirlwind of activity for us, even when we have the best intentions to keep it simple and focus on Christ. With all of the additional expectations, meeting invites, and traditions, sometimes mixed with heaviness and hurt, it’s easy to take our eyes off Christ and miss the awe-inspiring truth of His birth altogether. And let’s be honest: If you’ve been around the church long enough, the idea that God sent His Son Jesus to us as a baby isn’t new information. Long-time church goers can sometimes hear the gospel or Christmas message and think, “That’s for them.” The beauty of God’s Word, however, is that it’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12), meaning it has a personal, powerful, pointed message for each of us every Christmas.
So, what does God want to personally share with you this year? What would happen if you really slowed down and let your heart be transformed by His presence this Advent?
The Importance of Slowing Down
Taking a few minutes each day in December to focus on God’s promises offers a powerful antidote to stress, feelings of inadequacy, grief, and more. It’s the light that illuminates the lies we believe: “You’re unloved,” “You’re alone,” “You’re not doing enough,” or “This [insert: thing in my shopping cart/person/position] will make me happier.” For most of us, slowing down is counter-cultural. In 2024, we’ve been wired to hold a 7-second attention span and multi-tasking has become a baseline standard. However, God encourages us to “rest” and “be still.” Why?
- So we can humbly hear from God. Job 6:24 says, “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.” A tugging on our heart or an uneasy conscience can be gentle whispers from God who lovingly corrects us. Psalm 16:6 describes His standard and design for our lives as “boundary lines [that] have fallen for me in pleasant places.”
- So our faith in God’s justice would grow. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” We do not have to work to earn favor or love with God, but simply rest in it. Being still is an act of faith; an on-going trust that the work Jesus did on the cross is final, for us, and forever. And while we work for justice here on earth, we can rest in the fact that God’s infinite and perfect justice will one day be made known fully and finally, and everything will be made right.
- So a weary soul can find a safe haven. Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
- So we can find comfort in God’s presence. Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” A promise that not only will he never leave us, but that we would find rest simply being with Him.
Practical Tips for Slowing Down During Advent
- Choose fewer activities. It’s worth mentioning the obvious here. Instead of overcommitting yourself, put a cap on the calendar events and select a few meaningful Advent traditions that resonate with you, your family, and your friends. Slow down in them, make them last, and be present.
- Limit external noise: What adds stress in your life or keeps your heart in chaos? Experiment with reducing your time on social media, spend less time reading news headlines, or try turning your phone off altogether at a certain time of the day or week. The notification will still be there when you get back to it.
- Add an Advent study to something you’re already doing. Do you eat dinner as a group of roommates or as a family? Add in the devotional with rhythms you are already doing. Don’t try and recreate the wheel this month, but rather get creative and add something meaningful to your established rhythms.
- Be intentional. Ultimately, focusing on Christ at any time of year, much less a busy time of year, takes intentionality. Don’t feel unholy if you find yourself needing to pray, “Lord, grow my desire to spend time focusing on you in a season of high demand on me.” That is a beautiful, faithful, honest prayer that I believe, based on God’s Word, He honors.
A Call to Rediscover the Joy of Advent
By slowing down, prioritizing rest, and cultivating joy, we can experience the beauty of Advent and the personal God who came to us. May the peace and love of Christ fill our hearts and homes this Advent and always. Ultimately, our intimacy with Christ is more important than anything else we could fill our time with, so my encouragement to you would be to fight for it. Say “no” or “wait” to more things this season, and “yes” to what’s most important here, now, and forever.
What are your favorite ways to slow down and prioritize joy during Advent?
The World Rejoices
The World Rejoices is a practical resource for individuals and families, encouraging a slower December pace while counting down the days to Christmas. Each short daily reflection and Scripture reading from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke guides you toward a deeper connection with Jesus and a meaningful understanding of the Christmas story. Engaging activities interspersed throughout the book will give you a few minutes to unwind and enjoy the season.
