Abiding in Advent

Dec 11 2025 Abiding in Advent

This Advent, the Lord keeps whispering the same gentle invitation He’s given me all year: stay near, hold fast. Abide.

Nearly every day of 2025, I’ve written “abide” across the top of my journal as a quiet reminder to stay attached to Him. I wrote abiding-centered Scriptures into the front pages and even built a playlist to keep the theme humming in my heart. Choosing a new word for 2026 may be challenging, as I’ve grown devoted to this one.

This daily reminder to cling to my Savior-Vine reminds me how I must depend on Him. Through distressing days and long months of 2025, He has not once let go. As I’ve held fast, something measured and beautiful has happened: little by little, my relationship with God has sunk into deeper places and grown a steadier, more seasoned trust. This simple practice of focusing on one word and a handful of verses profoundly shaped my soul.

Now, here in December, I find myself marrying two “A” words as I lean into this Advent season. Abide + Advent woven together beckon me into deeper intimacy with Jesus and awaken a fresh expectation for the handiwork He will unfold in my life this month. One calls me to remain close; the other calls me to look up in holy anticipation. Together, they steady my heart, slow my steps, and draw me nearer to the One who came near to us.

And so, as this year draws to a close, I’m choosing to walk into these final days with Yes. Yes, to abiding. Yes, to Advent. Yes, to the Savior who holds every tomorrow. My prayer is that these weeks become holy ground for us all: unfussy, unhurried space where our souls catch their breath, and our hearts treasure the wonder of Emmanuel, God with us.

May we abide in Him and Advent with Him as He faithfully writes the next chapter.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

“And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we might have boldness and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”  1 John 2:28