Listen for the voice of God.
If you approach this Advent season waiting for something—in your life, in your family or community, or in a fractured world—you are not alone. This season reminds us that our waiting is not wasted. Even in our longest nights, divine work endures. What if we were free enough to do the same?
Drawing on lectionary scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments and the voices of Black and Brown modern-day prophets, author Shannon Dycus offers reflections for each day of the season. Her meditations stretch open possibilities for faithfulness during silence, ambivalence, doubt, and unknowing. This Advent, accept the invitation to witness and know the presence of God amid waiting. Give voice to freedom, grace, struggle, and beauty—to see again the ways that God emerges in this inward season.
Introduction
Using This Devotional
An Invitation to the Song
O holy night: The possibility of freedom
Day 1: i am free to unlearn.
Day 2: i am free to breathe deeply
Day 3: i am free to . . . not know
Day 4: a prayer for new edges
Day 5: i am free to have many parts
Day 6: Sermonette: Job and Job’s Wife:
The stars are brightly shining: Tools for the night
Day 7: i am free to turn
Day 8: in the wilderness, i am free
Day 9: i am free to look back
Day 10: a prayer desiring to move differently
Day 11: i am free to question
Day 12: Sermonette: Oil and Grace, Tools for Our Faith
It is the night: Dwelling in the truth
Day 13: a prayer for calling it what it is
Day 14: in the waters, i am free
Day 15: i am free to be still
Day 16: a prayer to celebrate the goodness i cannot see
Day 17: i am free in complicated feelings
Day 18: Sermonette: Confession as a Dwelling Practice
In sin and error pining: Longing for a Savior
Day 19: in the dark, they are free
Day 20: with fragmented hopes, i am free
Day 21: i am free to be authentic
Day 22: a prayer for the Spirit’s freedom
Day 23: i am free to worry and hope
Day 24: Sermonette: God’s Hope for the Future
The weary soul rejoices: God with us
Day 25: i am free to wait . . .
Day 26: i am free to sing new truths
Day 27: i am free to celebrate
Day 28: a prayer to be the Word
Day 29: i am free and grace-full
Day 30: Sermonette: Power to the People, Power in the People
A new and glorious morn: Dawning in our spirits
Day 31: i am free to imagine the Christmas my body needs
Day 32: i am free to struggle
Day 33: i am free to hold the ordinary
Day 34: a prayer for wisdom
Day 35: i am free to look for Light
Day 36: Sermonette: Love Dawning
A Prayer for this Season and the Next
Small Group Guide
Notes
The Author