The Season of Advent – “Come and Listen”
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“My sheep hear my voice.” - John 10
“Their hearts burned as Jesus opened the Scriptures.” - Luke 24 -
As the season of Advent approaches, it is essential that we, as believers, cultivate a heart posture of “come and listen.” Think about it! That is what the disciples did. They came when Jesus called, and they listened to His teaching. They positioned themselves in His presence close enough to hear His voice, to receive His correction, to marvel at His works, and to be transformed by His nearness.
Advent invites us into something similar.
Before the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, God was already inviting His people to come near. He had been since the very beginning. He is a God of covenant. He longs to dwell with His people. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is an invitation to draw close, quiet our hearts, and listen with expectancy to the God who sent His Son into the world to redeem what was lost. He desires us to come and listen, not out of obligation but out of devotion.
Listening begins with the Word. In a season filled with noise, Advent invites us to return to the Scriptures with renewed attentiveness. When we open the Word, we are not just reading ancient stories. We are encountering the living God who still speaks. The same voice that called the disciples calls to us through every page. As we sit with Scripture, the Spirit shapes our understanding, softens our hearts, and reminds us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings. Advent becomes a season of hearing God’s heart more clearly. And as we do, our hearts become more like His.
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Ask–Notice–Respond rhythm:
Ask God to speak
Notice what stands out in Scripture.
Respond with prayer or obedience
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Father,
as we enter this Advent season, I come with a quiet heart and a simple longing. I want to hear You. I want to recognize Your voice the way sheep recognize their shepherd. I want my heart to warm the way the disciples’ hearts did when Jesus opened the Scriptures to them.Draw me close Lord. Set my attention on You. Remove the pressure to perform or achieve, and replace it with a steady desire to be near You. Help me open Your Word with expectancy, not out of habit but out of love. Let Scripture be more than words on a page. Let it be the place where I meet You.
Holy Spirit, guide me. Slow me down. Teach me to ask, to notice, and to respond. Give me ears that listen, eyes that look for Your movement, and a heart that is willing to follow. Shape my thoughts and soften anything in me that resists Your presence.
Jesus, thank You for coming near. Thank You for seeking me out. Thank You that Your voice still speaks. During this Advent season, help me sit close enough to hear You, trust You, and walk with You. Let this time renew my hope, restore my joy, and deepen my love for You.
I give this season to You Lord. Speak, and I will listen.
Amen.
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What expectation do I bring when I open God’s Word?
Do I read Scripture to know truth, or to know Him?
How might I slow down and invite the Holy Spirit to lead?
