Room to Wonder

December tends to speed up just when our souls most need to slow down. The lists get longer, the days feel fuller, and before we know it, Christmas comes and goes in a blur. But Advent is a gentle invitation to pause—to wait, to anticipate, to remember that God still meets His people in the waiting.

Advent isn’t just about looking back to the manger; it’s also about looking forward to the return of Christ. It’s a season of sacred anticipation—of learning again to be still, to make room for God, and to let our longing draw us closer to Him.

Advent means the arrival or coming of something, derived from the Latin word adventus. In a Christian context, it is the season of four weeks leading up to Christmas that involves spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It also represents anticipation for Christ’s second coming, with each week often themed around concepts like hope, peace, joy, and love.

“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” — Isaiah 40:3–5

Throughout Scripture, God’s people waited—Abraham for the promise, Israel for deliverance, the prophets for the Messiah. Their waiting prepared their hearts to recognize Him when He came. In the same way, our waiting—whether for an answered prayer, peace in a hard season, or renewed hope—can deepen our desire for Christ and tune our hearts to His presence.

Advent unfolds through five themes that help us prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ—not just the celebration of His birth, but the promise of His return. Each week centers our focus on a different facet of who He is:

1. Hope – We begin Advent remembering the prophets who foretold a coming Savior. This hope, confidence in God’s promises, anchors us in every waiting season.
2. Peace – We reflect on the Prince of Peace, who calms our anxious hearts and reconciles us to God and one another.
3. Joy – We rejoice in the good news that God has come near and that His joy cannot be stolen by circumstance.
4. Love – We celebrate the love that moved God to send His Son, a love that changes how we see and serve others.
5. Christ (Light) – Finally, we fix our eyes on Jesus Himself—the Light of the World—whose coming fulfills every longing.

These themes invite us to journey slowly, one candle and one week at a time, letting anticipation build toward the wonder of Christmas.

This Advent season, we’ll be releasing a short devotional each week focused on one of the traditional Advent themes—hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ. Each reflection will invite you to pause, look for God’s presence in your own story, and allow your heart to rest in the truth of who He is.

As you read and reflect, take time to ask questions like:

• Where do I see God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in the midst of my waiting?
• What is He forming in me during this season of anticipation?
• How can I create space to notice Him more fully?

Sometimes the most meaningful way to prepare room in our hearts for Christ is by simplifying what’s around us—clearing space in our schedules, slowing our pace, and choosing wonder over hurry.

Christmas will come soon enough. But perhaps this year, the greatest gift we can give God is our attention. As we slow for Advent, may our waiting not just count down days but prepare room in our hearts for Immanuel—God with us.