Small Moments of Grace

Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp (he/they)

Executive Director, LOVEboldly

Queer Christian

When [the shepherds] saw [Jesus], they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Matthew 2:17-19)

Today is our last Sunday before Advent. Many of us are getting ready for Thanksgiving on Thursday, finalizing our plans for hosting or cooking for dinner, strategizing about how we can most creatively deal with family, and getting ready for the onslaught of post-Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas chaos.

Yet, Advent—which starts next Sunday, like you needed something else to worry about—is meant to be a time of slowing down. Perhaps, you, like me, find it near impossible to slow down during this time of year, then Advent can be about recognizing the small moments of grace and wonder. We’re told in Matthew 2:17-19 that “When [the shepherds] saw [Jesus], they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” I imagine Mary taking it all in and trying to mix her exhaustion and worry with the grace and surprise of what she was witnessing.

Reflection

Where do you find wonder during Advent and Christmas?

What small grace are you experiencing?

Action

Find one or two times or places in your daily life where you can be or can offer a small moment of grace to someone else.