Pause

Advent… waiting. Even when hope dims, we wait.

We watch for the One who has promised never to leave us. We listen for His gentle voice that calms the storms within and breathes expectation into our souls.

And in the waiting and watching and listening, our faith grows deep.

Ponder

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

I launched out on a journey to become a writer many years ago, holding fast to a whisper of a promise from God that this was my call, my destiny. I had no idea the ups and downs I would experience or the rejections and failures I would face along the way. Often I wanted to give up, wondering if I’d heard God’s promise or not. And if I had, why was it taking so long to see breakthrough or even a hint of success?

Promises are rooted in a certain level of trust, but what if the one making the promise is God? If we take a risk and trust Him, what happens when it feels as if He isn't coming through? When days and weeks and years pass, and still there is no sign that He is keeping His promise?

An aging saint named Simeon knew this experience well. Scripture tells us he was righteous and devout, and that at some point the Spirit promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah — the consolation Israel longed for.

So he waited. And he listened. How many days were the heavens silent? How many nights did Simeon lie awake, wondering when God would fulfill His promise?

Then one day, the Spirit nudged him to go to the Temple — so he went. How often had he walked toward the Temple full of anticipation: Could this be the day?

Somehow Simeon had stayed tender — open, expectant, believing God’s word to him. And when Mary and Joseph walked into the Temple carrying the infant Jesus, Simeon knew instantly. This was it — the promise fulfilled. He took the baby in his arms and burst into eloquent praise.

Faith, for each of us, is birthed in divine whispers and nourished through intimate communion with our Maker. This kind of faith makes God smile — a heart tuned to hear His voice, willing to wait, patient in the silence, hopeful in the dark.

So in these final days before Christmas, let us remember Simeon — a man who teaches us how to cling to God’s promises, listen for His voice, and never let go of hope. He waited until the promise was fulfilled — and only then was he ready to leave the world in peace.

As we struggle to hold on to promises given long ago, let us wait with expectation and listen with ready hearts. This could be the day.

Pray

Consider the reality that your faith makes God smile — that He delights to reward those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Open your heart anew to the Lord and ask Him for fresh faith or a word that will sustain you as you wait.

Listen for His still, small voice.

Practice

Make today a day of intentional listening. In your busiest moments, pause — even for 20 seconds — acknowledge God’s presence, ask Him to speak into that moment, and wait in quiet expectancy.

You may be surprised by all He has to say.

Faith grows deepest in the quiet places where we learn to listen.