Advent is a time of preparation, of waiting. We often find our schedules quickly filled with holiday parties, decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts, baking, etc. At times it feels like our holiday to-do lists will never end. The pace at which we work to complete all of our festive tasks can make it incredibly difficult for our hearts to take on a different pace— a slower pace, the type of pace that allows us to breathe, savor quiet, find stillness, and turn our hearts towards God with anticipation.
Perhaps you have felt the struggle this holiday season and long for a moment to be still, awake, and attentive to God. Wherever you are today, you can create that space. We invite you to go on a short evening Advent journey with us.
Setting the Space
Before we begin, there are a few ways to create a space that will help you connect with God. Our practice together include the use of a few common household supplies that can help contribute to this special time. Consider grabbing a candle, matches, and printing off the finger labyrinth from below. If you don’t have a printer, simply use a pen and draw a spiral on a piece of blank paper. Once you have gathered your supplies, find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. If you live with others, perhaps let them know that you will be busy for the next few minutes and request some privacy. Consider turning off your phone, silencing it or even leaving it in another room. Once you are prepare, we are ready to begin.
It Starts with a Candle
Dim the lights and take a few minutes to sit silently in the stillness of the night. If you feel comfortable and are unable to adjust lighting, simply close your eyes. In the darkness and the stillness, notice. Notice what you have brought with you into the space. Notice how you are feeling. Slow down and pause from your day in prayer.
After a few moments of silence, light your candle and enjoy the peace, quiet, and comfort of God’s presence.
“With the lighting of one candle, Advent begins.
We’ve been here before—with one candle.
A candle to offer a prayer.
A candle to remember death.
A candle to mark the passing of another year.
A candle to point the way through the darkness.
Each week we will light another candle.
Four candles call us to sit and wait.
Four candles remind us of Christ’s light.
Christ’s light taking us back to the beginning.
Taking us to the Word.
Taking us to God.
Taking us to our beginning and end.
The alpha and omega.
We light a candle and we wait.
Whether in the church building, around the dinner table, or in the silence of your room, light a candle.
Say a prayer.
Sit in the silence.
Offer yourself.
Listen.
Wait.”
-Kimberly Knowle-Zeller, ELCA Pastor
Pause in Prayer
Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let me be still in your presence.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done is done;
what has not been done
has not been done; let it be.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all who are dear to us,
and all who have no peace. Amen.
Journey through the Labyrinth
At first glance a labyrinth may appear like a maze. However, a labyrinth is not something that one needs to solve. There is no pressure to successfully navigate one’s way through winding twists or turns. Instead, it is an ancient symbol that reminds us of the simple reality that life is a journey and invites us to thoughtfully engage with God each step of the way. There is only one way in, one way out, and no dead ends. One simply follows the path and will eventually find their way to the center, and then follows it back out. Along the path, one can learn a great deal about how they travel through life and about God. To learn more check out our past Beginners Guide to Labyrinths.
Using a finger labyrinth, trace the path and prayerfully journey. As you enter the labyrinth, you simply let go of your anxious thoughts, cluttered to-do list, and the business of life to slip away. In the center, you wait and listen. What might God want you to hear today? As you walk the path back out, you quietly reflect on your experience.
Turn Your Attention to Your Breath
Pray slowly, breathe, repeat.
Come, Lord Jesus,
(Breathe in.)
come.
(Breathe out.)
Beloved One,
(Breathe in.)
be patient with me.
(Breathe out.)
Be still, and know that I am God.
(Breathe in.)
Be still, and know that I am.
(Breathe out.)
Be still.
(Breathe in.)
Be.
(Breathe out.)
Carry the Light with You
After you have finished your breath prayer and are ready to return back to the remainder of your day, conclude by thanking God for journeying with you. Distinguish your candle and reflect on the words of Martin Luther as you return back to whatever awaits you.
“Thus Christ has always been the Life and Light, even before his birth, from the beginning, and will ever remain so to the end. He shines at all times in all creatures, in the holy Scriptures, through his saints, prophets, and ministers, in his word and works; and he has never ceased to shine. But in whatever place he has shone, there was great darkness, and the darkness apprehended him not.”
May we carry peace, love, stillness, and light with us during the rest of Advent as we wait. May our hearts be open and attentive to God. May we shine.