PAUSED BY GOD –

Paused

Pastor Calvin Cook

December 21, 2025

Scripture – Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10

I have been sharing that this year’s Advent season is different. This year because I have tried to focus on the deeper meaning of Advent, there has been something different. Something about the pace, the fullness, the swirl of responsibilities and preparations—that can easily carry us or sweep us away like wind across fresh snow. These last 24 hours have been contained into personal reflection and something special that God was showing me. With Christmas approaching and the week ahead already full, I felt the pressure to keep going, keep moving, keep doing.

But God pressed pause !

I would love to say that I slowed down on my own, that I took control of my schedule, that I made space to listen—but I didn’t. God did. God interrupted the motion just long enough to help me see what He was doing in the midst of it all.

It began early with a simple text from a friend: “I’m praying for you.” A small sentence, but a powerful pause.

Then came worship in Hazel Hurst—a holy morning shaped by the first Children’s Christmas program in many years. The joy in those young voices, the innocence, the wonder—it all felt like the heart of Advent wrapped in blessings, hope, joy, peace, and love.

Worship continued in Mt. Jewett—another pause of holy presence. Open hearts ready to receive. The Spirit moving. Commitments made to Christ. It felt like heaven stirring right in the midst of of the little community. God was here. I look forward to hearing how God was stirring at Kane Community and East Kane Methodist Churches, because I felt the assurance that the Holy Spirit was moving mightily in those places as well.

And then, as if to seal the day, Gail and I traveled three hours to Glencoe. Glencoe is my paternal ancestral home. It is a place that continues to remind of generations of Cook’s before me found life abundant far removed from the rush and hurry of the world. We traveled there to join many others in a beautiful pre–Christmas Eve gathering at the small community church. The service was powerful and mighty, centered simply and deeply on God’s story of Jesus coming as hope for all people and all nations.

This morning, after spending the night at our home in Hyndman, I feel refreshed. Rested. Renewed. And here is what I sense God speaking:

I am still God.

I am still with you.

I love you.

I am more than you imagine.

And because I love you, I sent My only begotten Son— so that you may receive and experience Life.

In this season, I am deeply thankful that God pressed pause. That He showed me what matters. That He reminded me the best is yet to come.

I am praying right now that God presses pause in all our lives—not to stop us from moving forward, but to keep us from missing hope. To protect us from being consumed by fear or destruction. To keep us focused. To not become consumed by all the stuff that is causing damage to our heart, minds, and soul without us even knowing or trying to stop it. To open our eyes to the holy beauty  of God’s kingdom unfolding in real time.

This morning I have a new understanding of Emmanuel—God with us.

Scripture: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the pause. Thank You for the movement of Your Spirit. Thank you for loving me enough to show me what is important. Thank You for Jesus—Your gift of hope for all people. Keep us still enough to see You, to hear You, and to remember that You are with us. Amen.

The picture is the Glencoe Church 12-21-25