The Gospel of Luke this Sunday quotes Jesus warning his disciples to stay alert and awake, prepared for when he comes back.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.”
Gosh, sounds like December.
Parties, kids’ concerts, and gift buying, oh my. For most of us, December is an intense race from day 1 through day 25.
And yet, Advent offers us an opportunity to train our hearts to be awake and alert to God—even under the most chaotic of circumstances.
In other words, if you can tune in to God in December, January will be a piece of cake.
As the most intense month of the year begins, here are 3 ideas for how to stay awake and alert to God as you begin Advent.
1. Stop: Spend at least 1 minute each day in silence and stillness with God.
Nothing complicated. Just get quiet and be still. Turn off the music, go to a room (or car) by yourself, or put on noise-canceling headphones if you need to. Stop your body (no walking, driving, putting things away, etc). Turn your attention to God. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy his company. If you can make more time, visit Jesus present in the Eucharist in a tabernacle or Adoration chapel near you. (Read more on getting comfortable with silence here.)
2. Look: Make a running list of one thing you are grateful for each day.
Your growing list will help you become more aware of the gifts God gives you every day. Praise God for the ways he’s present and working in your life, even on the hard days. We’ve created an Advent Gratitude Calendar for you to download here.
3. Listen: Turn on music that helps you connect with God during the day.
Music is a part of the season. Reconnect with favorite seasonal hymns or find new worship songs to add to your playlist that will help you praise God as you go about your day. (Not sure where to start? Try our Advent and Christmas playlists.)
Let’s be honest, December is probably not the month when you’ll experience the height of meditative stillness and union with God (I hope I’m wrong!).
But don’t underestimate it. It’s a rich time to train your heart and mind to be awake and alert to the God who loves to be present with us in it all.
Want these reflections delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email list here.
Andrea Jackson is a Content Creator and Ministry Consultant at the Evangelical Catholic. The Evangelical Catholic’s mission is to equip Catholics to live out the Great Commission. Learn more.
