The festivities are in full swing in this season of twinkling lights, wrapping paper, and classic Christmas songs. Standing in line among others in a crowded store with all things Christmas, I paused to listen to the young, kind-hearted teenager who mentioned her struggle with an audio-processing disorder. In another store, the woman in front of people excitedly turned around to tell me of the deal she found. I smile thinking of these moments that I find the most meaningful during a busy season. These moments remind me that when I pause, hope abounds.

Our Father God sees the one who is struggling in the noise, He sees the joyful one, and He sees the one needing hope in this season. God sees and hears everyone.

When we pause to notice what He notices, we find hope. We find hope that we can carry for others, and we even find hope for our own hearts.

We can find hope through it all as we pause. Pause, take a deep breath, and welcome in the quiet that brings such hope.

In a season that is filled with much, there is still quiet to be found. While that quiet may be deeply tucked away somewhere, I believe we find it as we turn our hearts to advent, which brings hope and unspeakable joy.

I invite us to encounter those moments with others that spark hope. I also invite us to embrace the quiet in a busy-filled season. In the middle of your right-now season, find the silence if you can.

I know complete silence may not be in your reach today, but would you reach for it if you knew it to be possible?

Sarah didn’t think having a child when she was old was possible, and she laughed about it. (Genesis 18:12). Maybe we will laugh like Sarah when we finally have that quiet moment in a full season. 

When we pause, we become more aware of what matters. And when we pause, we’re more likely to become aware of how the silence can speak to our hearts.

In the pause, we wait. I want to pause and be okay with the pause. Pause before I respond and pause before I make a decision. I want to pause to notice the little things that matter and be okay in the waiting.

When life gets overwhelming, we need space for the quiet in our lives. In the midst of a busy day, the presence of quiet can be soothing for our souls. It is a gentle reminder that it’s perfectly fine to pause, take a breath, and find solace in stillness. However, at times, the silence may also stir restlessness within us, making us question if more should be happening.

During those moments, may we remember that silence doesn’t mean inactivity. Sometimes, we’re meant to wait, even if we don’t comprehend the reasons behind it. In those pauses of uncertainty, growth and transformation often take root.

So, embrace the power of silence, both in the calm after a busy day and during those times of waiting. Trust that in those quiet moments, life is unfolding in its own mysterious and beautiful way.

When we create such a space, we find wonder in the quiet. The silence becomes a sacred place for us when the noise of life is overwhelming. The silence can invite us to sit with our Maker and enjoy His presence. Pausing for such an invitation matters to our souls.

The quiet holds peace.

My dictionary app describes pause as “breathing space.” I may adopt that one and make room to have some breathing space no matter how full my day or mind becomes.

Pause to join in the joy of someone’s treasured find at their favorite store, or pause to hold space for the young girl who mentions how she overcame a disorder that is not discussed much. Sometimes, taking a pause will bring forth unexpected treasures. We find hope as we pause to notice others around us.

We need to pause. Pause to rest. Pause to enjoy the moment of simplicity.

In the pause, we notice more. We’re open to the wonder we find only in the embrace of the quiet.

God is with us. The very One who created us resides within us. In our rushing, discouragement, or whatever we feel in the moment. God is right there. He sees and hears us.

In this time of advent, may we pause to offer hope just as Jesus offers us hope. May we pause to show love to the one who is experiencing sadness. May we pause to reflect on our lives and thank God for every wait and growing opportunity that made us strong.

In this season of twinkling lights, long lines, and a lot of noise in all the bustle, may we take time to pause and reflect. Even if there is some chaos, let us take a moment to find solace in the quiet and in the company of our Savior.