Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas

In this special Advent episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas for a conversation about his new devotional book, Waiting for Jesus.

As we enter the season of Advent, Derek and Rich reflect on the countercultural practice of waiting, learning to slow down, be still, and become more attentive to the presence of God. Together they explore how spiritual practices like silence, reflection, and wonder shape our formation and deepen our life with Christ.

Conversation Highlights

The Practice of Silence: Why silence remains central to spiritual formation and how to begin when the quiet feels uncomfortable.

Four Movements of Advent: Waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. These themes help us slow down and prepare for Christmas.

Guides Along the Way: Wisdom from Henri Nouwen, Barbara Brown Taylor, Bonhoeffer, Hauerwas, Willard, and Eugene Peterson on the joy that comes through obedience.

The Tyranny of the Urgent: How individuals and congregations can recover rhythms of waiting in a culture of hurry and distraction.

Hope in Jesus: Rich hopes readers will walk away from reading Waiting for Jesus with a renewed hope in Jesus to come and set right a world gone wrong.

Key Takeaways

Advent is not about frantic preparation but faithful waiting.

Silence and stillness are not empty—they make space for God’s presence.

Joy is not a requirement for discipleship; it’s the fruit of obedience.

Practicing attentiveness helps us resist distraction and rediscover wonder.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Waiting for Jesus by Rich Villodas

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by:

Leaving a review

Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app

Sharing this episode with a friend

Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out!

Leave a review

Share it with your friends

Give us a 5-Star rating on your podcast app of choice

Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com

Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook