In the quiet of Advent, we listen closely to words. We wait. We watch. We lean in. And among all the words that shape the Christmas story, one humble word rises again and again: said.
The angel said to her…
Mary said to the angel…
The shepherds said to one another…
“ Said” is not dramatic. It is not loud. It does not demand attention. Yet it holds everything together. It is the bridge between heaven’s message and earth’s response.
God did not shout from a distant throne. He sent a messenger who said words of grace. Not as thunder, but as speech—personal, intimate, relational. The Holy One chose to be heard, not merely obeyed. Before Christ was born, God was spoken.
And Mary—young, uncertain, unprepared—said:
“Let it be to me according to your word.”
Advent lives in that space between what God said and what we are brave enough to say back. It is the season of holy conversation: a listening heart, a trembling reply.
The shepherds, overcome with wonder, said to one another, “Let us go and see.” Their said became their step. Their words turned into worship.
How many moments in our own lives hinge on what is said?
A word of hope.
A confession of fear.
A prayer half-whispered in the dark.
This year, as we wait for the Light, perhaps Advent invites us to slow down our speech—to let our words be as faithful as God’s. To let our said be rooted in trust, not noise. Not every word must be loud to be holy.
God still speaks.
Scripture still says.
The Spirit still whispers.
And we are still invited to answer.
This Advent, may our said become:
Yes instead of no.
Faith instead of fear.
Wonder instead of worry.
Because in the beginning of Christmas, nothing happened until someone said something.
Inner Altar 