I was reading from Luke 8:18. The words of Jesus, “Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” For some reason this has stopped me in my tracks today. Reflect on His words, read through the chapter and then listen.

Listening is becoming a lost form of communication. God is pushing me to be a better listener. The nudging to listen to people’s words calls me to pay attention to their hearts. The prayer of Richard of Chichester says it better than I can. It reads, “To see You more clearly. To love You more dearly. To follow You more nearly, day by day.” When I stop to listen to God and others, truth becomes clearer and life is more vibrant.

During this Christmas season, steal away some moments to quietly listen to the cries of a baby, our Savior, born in Bethlehem.