Recently, at church, a friend commented that the next few weekends (leading to Advent and Christmas) already seemed busy with programs and commitments. I nodded, not yet having looked that far ahead in my calendar, but carrying a visceral memory of Advent seasons where hurry was usual and reflection was rare.
This year, I want to choose a slow Advent. I want to allow time to notice and wonder, to rest and reflect, even if it happens in the middle of the busyness.
Time to Notice & Wonder
Advent is the first season of the church year—a small invitation to pause, make space, and ask your heart if it’s ready to receive the astonishing gift of Jesus. It begins four Sundays before Christmas. You can find it by counting back from December 25th, or simply by Googling “First Sunday of Advent.” These four Sundays help us slow down, notice, and wonder.
Each week carries a theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These words remind us of God’s story and how He has been preparing for the comings of Jesus—His birth long ago, and His return still to come. Traditionally, a candle is lit each Sunday, but you can mark the moment however you wish: hang an ornament, draw something, listen to a carol—anything that helps you pause and reflect.
Hope takes us back to God’s people waiting for the Messiah, holding on even in long silence. This week can be a time to name the hopes you carry now, or remember how Jesus has met hopes you once held without knowing Him.
Peace speaks to the deep longing in every heart and in our world. Advent’s second Sunday reminds us of the Prince of Peace—then and now. It invites us to notice where we’re craving peace today, and how God has been giving it.
As you move through Advent, you may find old longings rising up. Let them. To truly celebrate Jesus, we remember what life felt like before we could turn to Him for hope and peace. When these desires surface, pay attention—they may be invitations to bring something new (or something again) to God.
Joy arrives in the third week. It’s more than cheerfulness—it’s the deep, steady joy that comes from knowing God. This week is often the busiest, so your reflection may simply be listening to a favourite carol while cooking dinner or getting ready for the day.
Love leads us into the final days before Christmas, inviting us to remember a God who stepped into our world so we could know Him. You might reflect while wrapping a gift, giving one, or recalling a moment when you felt God’s love clearly.
A slow Advent isn’t meant to add burden. It’s simply an open door—an invitation to rest, remember, and make room.
Amid all the year-end tasks, events, and holiday plans, we have to be intentional about making time to rest and reflect. One way I’m doing this is by slowing down my decorating. I love the colour and sparkle of Christmas, but this year I’m choosing to take it one small step at a time so I can savour the anticipation.
My tree might sit with only white lights for a week before I add the coloured ones, and the ornaments will come even later. My Advent candles will appear one by one, and everything else will unfold just as slowly. Each small step becomes a moment to pause, notice God’s presence, and take in the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of Advent.
What about you? How might you create space for a slow Advent—one with room to notice what God is doing, wonder at what He has done, rest in His presence, and reflect on how you’re experiencing His hope, peace, joy, and love?
Wishing you a slow, meaningful Advent and a blessed Christmas.
For more ideas for Advent, check out.
The Bible Project - https://bibleproject.com/guides/advent/#embracing-the-season-modern-advent-traditions
Lifeway - https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/ideas-for-celebrating-advent-as-a-family
Gospel Coalition India - https://in.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/better-than-life/advent-family-traditions/
Photo by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash
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