Advent Devotional 12-7-25

Recently, my husband and I moved to a new home and decided we needed to change to Roku Television, where we discovered YouTube TV as an alternative to what we had used in the past.  We noticed that every couple of hours, during a commercial break, YouTube TV presented a Zen moment. It usually consisted of a peaceful scene, like a waterfall or a hot air balloon flying through the sky, with soft calm music playing in the background.  We were amazed that the electronic devise we were watching (a TV) actually encouraged the viewer to take a break and just relax the mind and the eyes as the scene and the quiet music played for a brief time.  If this break wasn’t long enough for the viewer, there is actually a station on YouTube television that presents Zen time for an hour at a time, 24/7, so you can watch and listen and relax and refocus as long as you want or need.  It was truly an amazing discovery, as Zen time usually consists of stillness and silence so an individual can reflect and pray. It helps with finding calm and inner peace, free from distraction.      

So as I began to think about the Advent season and the devotion I was going to write, the Bible verse from Psalm 46:10 popped up in my mind and just kept swirling around in my thinking.  It states:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

During Advent, this time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of God’s son, it seems that every day, every thought and every schedule we have, seems to revolve  around a frantic pace and a constant rush to get things done amid the chaos as well as the celebration.  How sad for us, as this is the exact opposite of what God would want us to do.  Perhaps instead we should be pursuing more Zen time - slowing down, being still, and refocusing on helping ourselves to spiritually and mentally improve and strengthen our relationship with God, so we can celebrate the birth of God’s son. We should be focusing on what God has done and what God is doing now.

So now is the time to slow down, breath deeply, be still and take a break.  Pray.  Then remain still, so you can hear what God wants you to do.  Allow God to be in charge and guide you.  Allow God’s strength and love to fill you.  Then feel the difference in your life, your focus and your relationship with God.  It all comes down to less chaos and more Jesus!! 

Rev. Suzanne Ellis