"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6, NIV).
The trees outside my window were lightly covered with the recent winter snow. We just survived a level 3 snowstorm here in Ohio, but after the recent temperature fluctuation, things were slowly melting. A gentle blend of icicles and pool puddles adorned the backyard of my condo. But one thing stood out: the quiet of the day after a busy holiday season.
This Christmas season was busy like all the rest. But in between the hustle and bustle, I found myself looking for sacred pauses. A moment to remember my Papa, who passed away last February. A moment to reminisce on what Christmas was like as a child. A moment to look at the scrapbooks of the memory bank in my mind and replay what it was like to wait eagerly for Santa Claus to arrive. A moment to remember that God finishes what He starts, even in the quiet and still small days. What are you choosing to remember? What do you need to make space to remember?
Because I have anxiety, I've wrestled with silence for nearly a decade. I have a tough time obeying the Sabbath, sitting still, and waiting for God to speak. However, I've made it my mission over the past year to prioritize silence, even if it's just 5 or 10 minutes. Because I know that even in the pauses and sacred spaces, God is moving, and that's usually when and where He wants to speak to me.
In this verse from Philippians 1:6, we learn that God finishes what He starts. While most people apply this to their life's calling, I think we can also use it to trust God with unfinished stories. Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth. But that's not the end of the story. Easter celebrates Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, but that's not the end of the story. Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, there's a sacred pause before a new decade, but friends, that's not the end of the story. And He's not done writing your story.
If this resonates with you today, try asking yourself these questions:
-What feels incomplete in my life right now?
-How can I create time and space to pause and listen to the Lord?
-Is God trying to speak to me? Am I making time to hear?
-When I talk to God, is it a two-way street?
-Can I trust God with whatever I'm carrying?
Then, I encourage you to sit in silence for as long as you can. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, know that that's okay. The practice will get easier with time. During this time, read a passage of Scripture and then meditate on the words. Ask God to speak to your heart, but focus on hearing His voice. Resist the urge to talk, but rather, reflect mentally on what the Scripture might be saying to your heart in this season.
You can repeat this practice as often as needed, but I prefer to do it when I'm especially stressed, trying to make a decision, or need to hear from the Lord. For this particular topic, I recommend reading the first ten verses of Philippians 1, or choosing a passage that the Lord has put on your heart and mind. You can also alternate between reading the verses mentally or out loud.
Finally, conclude with a heartfelt prayer. Remember, you can come to the Lord as you are and don't need to hide how you really feel. Don't be afraid to tell Him you're uncomfortable with the waiting or silence (note: I tell Him this a lot and He still welcomes me). He desires your presence. And when we seek Him in the often scary and silent moments, He's sure to speak. Sometimes, He's just waiting for an intimate moment where the two of us can be alone, and He can be sure He's got my attention.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes, we need a reminder that you are still working even here. In the quiet days after Christmas, or the peaceful days in our hearts where we are searching for something more, please help us to rest in the solitude of your presence. Teach us to listen to and hear your voice, and to be obedient. Teach us to create these moments of sacred pauses in our lives and to be confident that you work in every area of our lives. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Hannah Olinger
Related Resource: CMA Country Christmas Artists Share Their Stories of Faith
The Christmas season is a beautiful time when the light of faith often breaks through in the most surprising and wonderful ways—and sometimes, right on prime-time television! We love watching artists who sing and speak from their hearts and who have shared their Jesus Calling journey with us, step onto the world’s biggest stages. We’ll revisit powerful moments of inspiration and deep connection from GRAMMY award winning artists Bebe Winans and Hillary Scott from Lady A, plus CMA Song of the Year Award winner Jordan Davis, who will also be co-hosting this CMA Country Christmas special.
Originally published Friday, 26 December 2025.
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