Lingering Before the Light (Advent2025)

This Advent, the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is delighted to share a new devotional resource, Lingering Before the Light (Advent 2025), a prayer booklet inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and dwell with God in the holy “in-between” of this season. Rooted in the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, the booklet offers weekly reflections from Bishop Deon, along with simple daily prayers and practices that help us notice God’s light flickering in the midst of a heavy and complicated world.

In a time when global and local crises can make hope feel fragile, these pages gently remind us that Advent is not a race toward Christmas, but a courageous act of waiting with God, trusting that the Light is already on the way. Each day includes a short Scripture verse, a prayer, and a concrete action: listening more deeply, practicing gratitude, tending to those in need, or looking again for the quiet ways Christ is already present among us.

We invite individuals, families, and congregations to use Lingering Before the Light throughout the four weeks of Advent and into Christmas, whether at home, around the dinner table, or in small groups at church. May this booklet help us linger a little longer before the mystery of Emmanuel, God with us, and make room in our hearts and communities for the hope, peace, joy, and love Christ brings. For information on how to receive a copy, please contact your congregation or the diocesan office. https://diocesemo.org/connect/news/2025-advent