We live in a busy, noisy world. Stop. Look. Listen: The loudest, boldest voice is not the one that will actually determine your future. Through the lens of the Christmas story, Rev Dr Mona illustrates how God's presence, found in the simple, ordinary moments, delivers miracle after miracle.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves constantly running from one activity to another, with families too busy scrolling through their phone screens, shopping, and attending endless events. Just like many, I sometimes feel overwhelmed with how packed our lives become, leaving little room for wonder or reflection on the extraordinary.

The Noise that Drowns Out God's Voice

As I look around, I see a society that is perpetually distracted. Much like the family I spoke about in my recent sermon, racing past the nativity scene without a glance, it’s easy for us to miss the profound in the ordinary. Gabriel’s frustration about our inability to hear an announcement from God amidst the noise deeply resonates with me. Living in an age where everyone is bombarded with thousands of messages daily, the opportunities for spiritual reflection shrink as there’s always something buzzing to capture our attention. I find myself wondering if I, too, could hear God’s whisper beneath all that clamor.

The Persistent Call of the Quiet Moments

Yet, even in the chaos, there’s Mary’s wisdom that cuts through the noise. She reminds us that while God can command attention with heavenly hosts and miracles, He often chooses a different path. Mary’s calling wasn't announced with trumpets but through a quiet conversation with God’s messenger, reflecting a more profound truth: God often speaks in whispers.

I’m drawn to how God gently communicates in the quiet spaces, like His whisper to Elijah, where his presence was found not in the loudness but in the still small voice — the gentle whisper. I try to remind myself that even as we long for sky-splitting signs of divine intervention, God’s most profound communications may come in frequencies only a quiet heart can detect.

Embracing Stillness in a Loud World

We live in a society operating at maximum volume, often only responding to the loudest, most urgent calls. But what if I, and we all, intentionally built rhythms of stillness into our lives? Not just during designated prayer times but throughout our everyday moments. Five minutes of silence before turning the ignition, or a moment of deep breathing before reaching for our phones, could create sacred spaces where our souls can discern God’s whisper amidst the noise.

The Art of Waiting

Like Gabriel, I often find myself impatient, eager to shake the distracted awake to God's presence. However, Mary reminds me that God’s patience is His steadfast promise. Today’s instant gratification world can make divine delays feel neglectful, but God’s timeline is divine patience. I question if I’m interpreting delay as denial rather than seeing it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

What if God is using these times of waiting to prepare both you and me for answers that need time to unfold? Our faithful presence during such seasons becomes part of our spiritual journey.

God Among Us: The Ultimate Welcome

When John spoke about Jesus “pitching His tent” among us, he highlighted God’s intentional choice to dwell in the ordinariness of human life. I am in awe of how God chose the humblest beginnings, born in a manger — a choice that transforms social status norms and invites everyone, regardless of their place in society, into God’s embrace. The beauty lies in the accessibility of Jesus’ birth, which invites both the rich and poor alike to approach the manger, breaking barriers and expectations.

Listening for God’s Presence

The question I wrestle with is not whether God is speaking, but am I truly listening? There’s an invitation to tune out distractions and tune into the whispers, to be patient in the waiting, and to invite God into everyday spaces. Whether in moments of solitude or in the emotional chaos of life, God’s presence with us — Emmanuel — pressures us not.

As we journey through this Christmas season, deepening our recognition of God with us, my prayer remains for us to hold space for divine wonders amidst ordinary life. Let’s make room for God’s indwelling presence and create avenues for worship and wonder, regardless of whether He’s speaking through angel armies or a baby’s cry.

Let’s Pray: Father, help us to hear you in both the thunderous and the gentle whispers. May we not miss your presence in the ordinary moments as we navigate the noise of this world. In the name of Jesus, our Emmanuel, amen.