Today marks the first Sunday of Advent—a season of preparation, anticipation, and wonder. Advent invites us to pause and make room in our hearts for the coming of a prominent figure: Jesus Christ, our Messiah. While Christmas often sends us into a whirlwind of planning, gifting, cleaning, and scheduling, Advent whispers a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the One we are preparing for.

Christmas represents the arrival of Jesus—the fulfillment of prophecy, the long-awaited Savior who stepped into a weary world to bring hope, peace, joy, and redemption. But this season isn’t only about preparing our homes. It’s about preparing our hearts.

At The Well Yoga Dubuque, we encourage meditation as a pathway to presence, healing, and connection. Often in our meditations we focus on letting go of thoughts, softening tension, and noticing what is happening inside the body. But meditation can also be a sacred space for adoration—a quiet place to honor the goodness of God and feel deep gratitude for His presence in our lives.

As we enter this season of waiting and preparing, we remember Mary—a young girl who surrendered completely to God’s will with courage, humility, and trust. And we remember Joseph, who chose obedience over fear, faith over logic, and protection over pride. Their stories remind us that preparing for Jesus often requires trust, surrender, and a willingness to follow God even when the path is unfamiliar.

This week, allow yourself to truly prepare for the coming of Jesus again. Imagine what it must have felt like for those who had heard the prophecies and watched the signs unfold—the anticipation, the awe, the hope. Bring that spirit into your meditation. Take time to adore God, to thank Him for every blessing, and to reflect on the miraculous ways He has worked in your life and in creation.

And above all, remember:

It is okay to slow down.
It is okay to set work aside.
It is okay if everything isn’t perfect.

Advent is not about performance—it is about presence.
This is a time to walk in the Spirit, stay close to God’s truth, and rest in the good news: the living Word became flesh for you.

If you find yourself needing space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect during this season, you are always welcome to join us at The Well Yoga Dubuque. Our gentle classes offer a peaceful place to pause, release tension, and return to center—a space where you can quiet the noise of the season and draw nearer to God. You can book a class anytime if you need that grounding and stillness.

A Gentle Invitation

If you are not currently reading the Bible daily, Advent is a beautiful place to begin.

Start with the Book of Luke.
Read for just 15–20 minutes a day.
Ask God to speak to you.
Let His Word settle into your heart as you move toward Christmas.

And as you read, pray about continuing into the new year with a year-long Bible reading plan. Even a few minutes a day can transform your walk with God, your peace, and the way you move through the world.

May this Advent season bring you stillness, adoration, and renewed connection to the One who loves you beyond measure.