In Psalms, the word selah appears 74 times. Some consider it to be a musical instruction to pause. Although the exact meaning is unknown, the idea of a holy pause can be a way to create space for God.
Try these ideas to settle your soul this season:
- Give yourself a break. Take an honest pause to evaluate holiday traditions. Are elaborate decorating rituals creating more stress than joy? Is excessive gift-giving becoming a burden? Sometimes the most sacred pause involves setting aside activities that have shifted from worship to worry.
- Honor the Sabbath. This fourth commandment invites us into God’s rhythm of work and rest. To preserve this sacred day, consider taking a break from devices and shopping. For more on Sabbath keeping, read Matthew Sleeth’s 24/6 or Mark Buchanan’s The Rest of God.
- Observe Advent. Rather than rushing toward Christmas, let this season teach you to wait. Embrace the stillness as you light the candles. Commit to reading familiar Bible stories with fresh eyes. Try a new devotional at ncfgiving.com/advent.
- Give with intention. Include heartfelt notes with year-end gifts. Pray before you respond to requests. Use your Giving Fund to involve children in family giving decisions.
- Welcome unplanned pauses. When traffic slows or plans fall through, resist filling the space immediately. Don’t pick up your phone. Instead, ask: What might God want to show me in this unexpected margin?
- Offer threshold prayers. Develop the habit of brief, silent prayers when entering your home or work, starting your car, or walking into a store. A simple, “God, make me aware of you,” or “Put someone on my path who needs you,” can transform a routine transition into awareness of his presence.
- Pause your perspective. Drive through a different neighborhood. Visit someone who is lonely. Volunteer with a new ministry. Allow God to interrupt your routine and open your eyes to the unexpected.
- Practice the Prayer of Examen. End each day with two or three minutes of reflection. Ask yourself: Where did I notice God today? What am I grateful for? This ancient practice can help you recognize God’s presence in ordinary moments.
- Give the ministry of presence. Choose one person to focus some attention on this season – an elderly neighbor, a stressed parent, someone who’s grieving. Sit without an agenda, listen deeply, and offer unhurried attention.
- Tithe your time. Consider setting aside six minutes of every hour for lectio divina – sacred reading, prayer, or simply noticing God’s handiwork around you. Step outside to feel the cool air or pause to give thanks. These micro-Sabbaths can reshape your day.
The Christ child was born in a bustling Bethlehem, but he was born to waiting hearts. Shepherds keeping watch. Mary pondering. Joseph listening. This Christmas, may you mirror their spirit of wonder and create holy pauses that help you see the quiet ways God still draws near to those who make him room. Selah.
Download Your guide to the 2025 giving season for more year-end giving inspiration.
