We have reached the final week before Christmas. Hopefully your stockings have been hung by the chimney with care and you have decked the halls with boughs of holly. Even so, there are many of us that are still in the midst of last minute preparations such as wrapping presents, baking cookies or sending out last minute Christmas greetings.

But let’s press pause and take an accounting of our hearts. Have you opened your heart to receiving the promises of Christmas? Are you open to receiving the gift of love God so graciously sent as His son one silent night? In between your many preparations for the just right presents and decorations, have you allowed yourself to bask in absolute silence with a heart open to receiving and an invitation for God to sit with you in the quiet?

[Tweet “In the time of waiting, there is always hope, love, joy and peace.”]

As I reflect on those questions for myself, I have a moment of clarity. I look at my good intentions to choose God and the silence, and find how life has pulled me in other directions. As I take an accounting of my heart, I remember the times I spend in the Word working toward a deeper understanding of what Advent really means. I count the times I started each day in quiet worship and prayer even though I fell short somedays. My look back assures me I am a lifelong learner and far from perfect. There is grace for both. The beauty of this time of waiting and preparation is that even if we miss the mark on all we are trying to do there is still…

The hope of Christ that lights the darkest corners of our hearts.

A love that fills our hearts with a never-ending overflow of abundance.

The gift of joy that reigns down as grace, forgiveness and redemption.

Peace that comes with our faith in knowing that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.

In this final week before Christmas, I am looking to steal some quiet moments. I am reflecting on the joy that always comes in the morning because of the gift of the baby Jesus. The hope for a bright future passes before my vision of a world that is broken while God continues to bring wholeness. My heart opens wider to prepare room for the miracle that takes place in the birth of our Savior.

I pray in thanksgiving that…

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And whisper praise that He is a …

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

[Tweet “One silent night the landscape of the world changed&those walking in darkness saw a great light.”]

One silent night the landscape of the world changed and has never been the same since. The people walking in darkness saw a great light and our celebration continues today.

May you all find hope in your heart, a peace that fills you with deep understanding and love that fuels your soul this Christmas as you dive deeper with Jesus.

Christmas blessings to all,


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