Waiting for Jesus

Through this 25-day Advent devotional, enjoy morning and evening readings that help you slow down, savor the season, and deepen your relationship with Jesus—from the bestselling author of The Deeply Formed Life.

The holidays often feel like a marathon, as we dash from one event, errand, or party to another. In the chaos, it’s easy to neglect what really matters: reflecting on the glory of Jesus. We want to pray more—to spend time with God—but the tyranny of the urgent leaves us distracted and depleted.

As the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in bustling Queens, New York, Rich Villodas understands the tension of trying to connect with God in a fast-moving world. And he’s here to help. In this devotional, he leads readers through 25 days of an ancient practice called "the daily office," which refers to morning and evening prayers to help you connect with God. This twice-a-day rhythm offers relief and rest from the incessant to-dos of the holiday season. In these pages, you will be reminded to release worry and embrace wonder as you reflect on Christ''s nearness.

Each day in this devotional features a short reflection from Rich, followed by a four-fold rhythm:

• Silence and prayer: Pause for a few moments. Take a breath. Rest.
• Scripture: Read a short passage about the wonder of Jesus.
• Quotes: Read short, inspiring thoughts from Christians through the ages.
• Self-reflection: Bring your full self to God and enjoy his presence.