Time is a tricky concept. I am reminded of this truth frequently, as my three-year-old describes the book she read “yesterday,” the visit we had with so-and-so “this morning,” or the trip we’re taking “tomorrow.” It often feels like mental gymnastics to meet her in the moment she is describing with the limited cues I’m given.
We mature past this phase to a point where we can more or less judge increments of time well enough to keep our schedules on track and describe our days in detail. But how far do we truly advance in our concept of time and our relationship to it? For myself and many others, time is the final frontier we have not conquered, though we haven’t stopped trying. We spend time, save up time off, waste time, lose time, and take time. With all of our being, we try to quantify what is not quantifiable.
Time is a gift from God, who works outside of time.
As Advent approaches, this tension of not having enough time, coupled with entering a season of waiting, pushes our buttons—buttons that need to be pushed. Especially in a time of production, hurry, and hustle, not being in control of the very time we have been given might be a clue that we have metaphorically hit a spiritual two-by-four.
Advent: An Invitation to Slow our Pace
Honestly, I am not particularly good at waiting. Like so many, I have grown accustomed to accessing things nearly as soon as I think about them—quick answers on Google, groceries at the click of a button, an immediate response via text almost day or night. I would be lying if I said I did not have a deep appreciation for instant gratification. Who doesn’t?
And yet, Advent is my favorite season.
We need it, don’t we? It offers a grounding rhythm of preparing for something, or Someone, important. Just as we prepare for significant events—we wouldn’t serve boxed mac and cheese to an out-of-town guest or for a holiday meal—we cannot casually or instantly create the heart posture necessary to welcome God Incarnate. For that, we need some time and space to do that well.
In Time: An Advent Guide
In Blessed Is She’s 2025 Advent devotional, In Time: Living in the Now and Now Yet, Claire Dwyer invites women into a reflective space where the Lord can speak to their hearts. Rather than focusing on traditional Advent themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love, Claire invites women into the practice of lectio divina, or praying with Scripture, while emphasizing four elements of time:
Sacred Waiting //
When framed in the sacredness of the season, the beauty of waiting, or preparing, can be more clearly appreciated. Claire’s description of the void we all carry that can only be filled by one thing, reminds us of our fearful tendency to stuff our calendars, our homes, our cupboards, even our eyes with anything and everything imaginable to stave off the vulnerable feeling of appearing to be without, or finding ourselves empty or unfulfilled. And yet, we know that Jesus is the only One Who can fill that void. Despite ourselves, we need to be reminded often of the promise Jesus offers to trust that He is more than enough to fulfill the desires of our hearts.
God’s Timing //
Often the real gift of hindsight is revealed to us in the ways God has been orchestrating good to come in unexpected ways: the job you took on a whim, or out of desperation, that formed you for a role you’d need later; an encounter with the right friend; sufficient time in a relationship or profession only to realize it is not where you are called. “God writes straight with crooked lines,” as the saying, which is sometimes attributed to Saint Teresa of Avila, goes.
Our Story //
The Lord is invested in our individual stories, in which God is actively revealed through every detail. I loved Claire’s reminder that God intimately and intentionally invites us to collaborate in the story of our lives, lived for the love of Christ. To Jesus, the details matter. Nothing is overlooked; nothing is wasted. Framing our own story within the story of Salvation History is a breathtaking view that we need to take in from time to time.
In Time //
The phrase “God is never in a hurry but always on time” is such a comfort, especially when contemplating the Incarnation, as well as moments of grace in my own life that are evidence of God’s very intentional timing. We are never sufficiently “ready” to welcome the Word-made-flesh, yet, in God's time (kairos), He comes to us anyway—humbly, faithfully, and generously. Our response to that kind of love can only be hospitality, opening the door of our hearts to Him.
How Do You Plan to Welcome the Christ Child this Season?
Advent does not require decorations and fanfare. In fact, Advent expects to find us on our way—almost ready—but not there yet. Truthfully, I think that we are uncomfortable with the thought of anyone—especially the God of the universe—catching us at a moment when we are not ready or do not have it together. But Advent encourages a posture of the heart that is watchful, attentive, and hopeful.
Like the virgins who kept their lamps filled with oil in hopes of the arrival of the bridegroom, Advent invites us into the same patient trust that what has been spoken will be fulfilled. The One Who said He is coming will come. So we wait with hopeful hearts.
Amidst the noise and clamor already vying for our attention through ads, music, and television, Jesus humbly enters into time without crashing cymbals and loud trumpets. Advent’s appeal is in its quiet invitation to slow down our pace, humble ourselves, and remember that the infinite God entered time to deliver something that had been long promised to us: a Savior.
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. // Isaiah 7:14
Katie Cassady is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a wife and mom to three little girls in Denver, CO. Steeped in theological reflection, beekeeping and motherhood, she is appreciative of any and all wisdom she can glean from those living intentional lives of faith. Find out more about her here. Read all of Katie's posts here.
Walk with Us this Advent
Get Your Prayerful Planner
