Hush.

I love that word. It says so much more than quiet or still or silent.

It’s a breathless space. There is peace mingled with anticipation.

Yearning mixed with tranquility.

It’s calm.

There is no disturbance.

It’s a mood of the heart.

It’s part of inside-out weight loss.

Shedding of the hurry, at least for a moment.

I didn’t grow up in a tradition of Advent. Actually there was no Christmas worship of any kind.

I’ve come to treasure Advent’s hush. This year my quiet span has included a book of daily readings from a Celtic Advent tradition–which means 6 whole weeks instead of four.

Each week I lit a new candle symbolizing Father, Holy Spirit, hope, peace, joy, and love. In a few days the final candle will burn, signifying the light of the Christ child, my Lover and Best Friend, Jesus.

In this span of hush my heart is quieted, yearning without disturbance. And when the crush of struggles invade my peace, this restful space helps me realign with all that is Good and Holy.

With Him, the Three in One, the Creator of all.

There has been no moment as precious as these to me this season.

For a short time, at least, I am able to turn from the cares that invade my day and simply rest.

I light a candle, “Praise to You, Loving Father, Creator of All, Most Powerful.”

And my heart kneels, submitting to One wiser than I.

I light a candle, “Praise You Holy Spirit. You are my Teacher, Guide, Counselor, and Friend.

I need Your direction today.”

And my heart kneels, welcoming His Guiding Presence.

I light a candle, “Thank you for hope.”

And my heart kneels, choosing belief over despair.

I light a candle, “Thank you for peace.”

And my heart kneels, releasing worry, embracing calm.

I light a candle, “Thank you for joy.”

And my heart kneels, claiming singing, dancing, swirling joy,

asking that He teach me to live like that.

I light a candle, “Thank you for love.”

And my heart kneels, receiving acceptance from the One.

Giving self permission for love. Allowing Love to permeate the parched places.

And soon I will light the last candle.

Breathless space, anticipating hush.

Complete in Jesus.

As the countdown to Christmas ticks away, my you embrace a quiet hush.

Tagged: advent, candles, Christmas, connecting with God, faith, fellowship with God, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, light, peace, trust