Advent, Week Four: Is Love Enough?

Advent, Week Four: Is Love Enough?

“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13, CSB Over the last few weeks, we’ve been on a journey to rediscover the defining traits of the Advent season. We’ve been reminded that hope is not naive but...
Advent, Week Three: Is Joy Necessary?

Advent, Week Three: Is Joy Necessary?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:4-5 “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as the saying goes. And because of that, it’s tempting to use the...
Advent, Week Two: Is Peace Possible?

Advent, Week Two: Is Peace Possible?

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” – John 14:27, CSB Luke 2:14 is a popular verse to read at Advent, as it shares the song the angels declared to the...
Advent, Week One: Is Hope Naive?

Advent, Week One: Is Hope Naive?

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because he has become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. – Hebrews 6:19–20,...
A New Thing

A New Thing

This past January, I sent out a New Year’s card because a Christmas card just didn’t come together in time. My sister got married in early December, and then our second son Shepherd was born on December 17––so we had just a few things on our plate. After...