12/14/2025
Advent is a season of waiting—but not the kind of waiting that leaves us restless or discouraged. James invites us to wait like a farmer: with expectation, with trust, and with eyes open to the small beginnings of God’s work.
Today we are reminded God rarely starts with something big. God begins with a manger. A mustard seed. A whisper of hope. A moment of healing. These small beginnings are signs that our large God is already at work, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Wonder is what helps us notice these things. Wonder is the ability to be surprised into praise. It’s the spiritual posture that says, “God, I don’t see everything yet, but I trust that you’re moving.” And when we practice wonder, we begin to see holiness in the ordinary—grace in the small things, hope in the quiet places, and God’s presence in the moments we might otherwise overlook.
So as we move through this Advent season, let’s wait like farmers. Let’s look for the small beginnings. Let’s trust that God is already doing something new.
Prayer:
Holy God of Joy, open our eyes to the small beginnings of your work in our lives. Teach us to wait with wonder, to trust your timing, and to recognize your presence in ordinary moments. Surprise us into praise this week. Amen.
Now what?:
This week, notice three ordinary things that stir wonder in you—three small signs of God’s presence. Write them down. Share one with someone else. Let’s build a community that celebrates God’s small beginnings.
