The Moment Just Before

Frederick Buechner

In the silence of a mid-winter dusk, there is a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. You are aware of the beating of your heart. The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.

[Advent Practice: Listening and waiting. Listening with your whole being by relaxing completely and focusing on the 'inner ear'.  Listening into the silence. Like the "contemplative gaze" on the interface of self and God.]