This past Sunday, we began our Advent journey by reflecting on what it means to prepare for Jesus with an unhurried heart. Using John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry as a guide, we explored four practices to cultivate this: Silence and Solitude, Sabbath, Simplicity, and Slowing. These practices invite us to create space in our lives for the presence of Jesus, especially during this busy season. 

I concluded the sermon with a powerful quote from Gordon MacDonald’s Ordering Your Private World: 

“[The one] who walks with God will tell you plainly, ‘God does not ordinarily shout to make himself heard. As Elijah discovered, God tends to whisper in the garden . . . We must learn to ‘soundproof the heart’ against the intruding noises of the public world in order to hear what God has to say.’” (p. 126) 

This Advent, we are encouraged to commit to one or more of these practices and allow Jesus to “soundproof” our hearts. By doing so, we can approach Christmas with unhurried hearts and minds, ready to make room for Him and confident in the hope of His redemption (see Luke 21:28). 

As we enter the second week of Advent, we focus on peace—a gift that often feels beyond our reach in the chaos of the season. How can we experience this peace? By seeking both external silence and internal silence. 

External Silence involves carving out time for silence and solitude with God. It’s a deliberate pause from the noise of our external world: the demands of work, the stress of school, the pull of electronic devices, and the busyness of life. 

Internal Silence is about quieting the inner distractions of our hearts—worries, anxious thoughts, self-doubt, insecurities, and the ever-present “fear of missing out.” 

When we commit to both kinds of silence, we invite God to bring His peace into our lives. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:7 of a peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that will “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 

This Advent, let’s take intentional steps to “soundproof” our hearts. Let’s seek moments of quiet where we can hear God’s whisper and receive the peace He offers. With unhurried hearts and soundproofed lives, we will be ready to welcome Jesus into our lives and homes this Christmas. 

As we journey together, be sure to visit hrbcrichmond.org/christmas for our Advent and Christmas schedule, devotional materials, and special events. 

Let’s prepare our hearts together as we celebrate the arrival of our Savior. 

Peace be with you,