Christ draws near to us. During Advent, I am reminded of the profound encounter in 1 Kings 19:12, where the Lord speaks to Elijah at Mount Horeb. First came a mighty wind, then an earthquake, and finally a raging fire. These were magnificent and powerful displays, and yet the scriptures tell us that the Lord was not present in any of them. Instead, He chose to reveal Himself in a still small voice—gentle, quiet, and unassuming.
What could this mean for us? Perhaps the Lord was actually present in the awe-inspiring forces of nature, showing His majesty and power, yet it was His deliberate silence in the midst of those great events that carries the greater lesson. It is a striking reminder that God’s voice often speaks in ways we least expect; not through thunderous proclamations but in moments of stillness, simplicity, and grace.
This choice by God reveals something profound about His nature. He is not a distant, overwhelming force, but a compassionate Father who approaches His children with tenderness. Just as a loving parent kneels to a child’s level, calming fears with a soft and reassuring voice, so does God draw near to us even today to comfort and guide us with His infinite love and mercy.
I am reminded of the Christ Child and how He could have come wielding a mighty sword to cut down his enemies and the enemies of Israel. Instead, He comes to us as a lowly babe born in a manger after being rejected by the inn keepers. (Imagine the Mother of our Lord and St. Joseph knocking in search for a place to stay and they are turned away. Even in His beginnings, Christ was rejected). He could have come to us and crushed Rome and it’s emperors in one swift strike. Yet, our Lord chose humility, sacrifice, and suffering; even to the cross.
Slow down and hear our Lord in the silence.
Sacramentally Speaking 
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