Dear People of St. David’s
St. David’s Pastoral Staff is sharing a series of four videos reflecting on each of our four Advent themes. These themes of hope, peace, joy, and love go along with the four Sundays of Advent and our church service, during which we’ll light a candle to symbolize one of them. This is also something we would love for you to join in at home.
This week’s reflection is by the Rev. Tanya Regli. Below the video you’ll find a transcript. This is the second of four videos.
Click here to see our Advent event and Christmas worship schedule.
This Advent season, we look ahead to Christmas and the coming of Jesus Christ in quiet. This second week we stop to light two candles, sing a song, and appreciate the PEACE that Christ brings. The Rev. Tanya Regli, St. David’s Associate Rector, shares this week’s reflection.
TRANSCRIPT:
In our scripture readings for the second Sunday of Advent, both the prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist, call us to prepare the way for our redeemer. A time of preparation for the birth of the infant, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. And part of this preparation includes preparing our own hearts for it is through Jesus that we all find hope, peace, and new life.
Finding this peace in ourselves also helps us to be part of a bigger connection to others and to all of creation, peace on earth. It allows us even in the midst of turmoil and conflict to see the threads of peace in our lives. A practice that allows us to recognize the gift of God’s love in the world.
One of my favorite sung prayers during the Advent season, draws from Psalm 62: “For God alone, my soul waits in silence; from God comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”
It reminds us to wait in stillness with God. To quiet the distractions of the life around us. Set aside the hurried Christmas preparations, social activities, and external turmoil to focus on seeking God’s presence in our lives, God’s peace. Remembering that we can be at peace because we put our trust in God. Saint Ignatius describes this movement towards centering God in our lives as one that brings peace, tranquility, and quiet.
So even if it’s just a moment in your day, take time to sit quietly somewhere away from the distractions of daily life. To be aware of your breath and any tension you may be holding and meditate on the goodness of God as we listen to a verse from the sung prayer to open to us the pathways of God’s peace.
[Indented text is sung, accompanied by acoustic guitar]
For you, oh Lord, my soul in stillness waits; truly my hope is in you.
Oh, key of knowledge, guide us in our pilgrimage.
We ever seek, yet unfulfilled remain.
Open to all the pathway of your peace.
For you, oh Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly my hope is in you. Amen. Amen.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Blessings,
The Rev. Tanya Regli, Associate Rector
Published on December 4, 2025.