It snowed the other night. Not enough to be bothersome and in need of shoveling. It was the soft, quiet, and gentle snow that covers just enough to blanket the trees and grass in a white beauty.
I open my book in the early morning and read:
“I will hearken what the Lord God shall say within me. Blessed is the soul which heareth the Lord speaking within it, and receiveth the word of consolation from His mouth. Blessed are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God, and turn not aside to the whisperings of this world. Blessed truly are the ears which listen not to the voice that soundeth without, but to that which teacheth truth inwardly. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to things without, but are fixed upon things within. Blessed are they who search inward things and study to prepare themselves more and more by daily by daily exercises for the receiving of heavenly mysteries …”
(from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis)
It is my second time reading through the above mentioned book this year because truly once is not enough. The passages are taking on such a different slant in this month of waiting. This year, the wait has been much more focused and deliberate. My heart is longing to be prepared for His arrival once again.
The Advent – a time of slowing down and waiting yet probably one of the busiest times of the year. The stores and advertising will lure us away from the expedient and cause us to miss that which our souls are longing.
It is in both the slow and the wait that our ears hear, our eyes see, our hearts are fixed, and we are prepared. We are moved forward against all that our eyes see, believing for that which is yet unseen.
“Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest. Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.” (Psalm 85: 10-13, NLT)
We come to realize that our Lord has come, and is come, and is yet coming.
“Blessed are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God.”
May we be blessed!
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and #RaRaLinkup .
This is beautiful! Great reminder of the blessings that are found in taking the time to slow down and listen.
Thank you, Lesley. May we fight the pull to stay busy and be busy. May you and yours have a most blessed Christmas!
No matter what I’m reading in December, it always gets filtered through the lens of Advent. You’re making me think I need to find my copy of The Imitation of Christ . . .
Michele, I have been so blessed to read it through twice this year. You have actually confirmed for me what I have been thinking for some time – I will be sharing from the book once week in the new year. Thank you!
There is such beauty in the words from the passage you shared above. It is in the looking inward that we find truth. I needed to be reminded of that today. Blessings to you as you slow down and prepare for the arrival of Jesus.
Thank you, Mary. I am finding that book to be a powerful read even though it is not an “Advent” book. May you and your family find comfort and joy this Christmas. xo
Ahhh…These words today, friend..”Blessed are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God.” Oh how they bless me. That whisper of God. That secret place. Where is there that is sweeter! Thanks for being at UNITE & for sharing so faithfully, friend!
I think so often we look for the loud, the thunder of God, so to speak. And He comes in the soft whisper so that we will lean in a little bit closer so as to hear Him. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas! It is always a joy to join you!
Joanne, this is beautiful. As I read your descriptions of waiting and Advent, I realized I am not waiting, not anticipating as I want to. Instead, I am pushing through each day, because life is swirling around me. Truly, my spirit yearns for moments of stillness. I’m spending time in God’s word each day, and He is so kind as to meet me in the moments I have. But I yearn for that waiting, that time of stillness. your post gave me a taste of it. Thank you for that.
I love that Thomas Kempis quote. 🙂
Jeanne, don’t you just love that our God knows what we need most. Even as we are busy, He provides for us in the moments. He surely makes the most of the time we give Him. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas!
I don’t get caught in the fray these days – I’ve learned that lesson! But I do so enjoy the fellowship and sweetness of the holidays.