Our Christmas looks different than planned. Thanks to a string of seemingly never-ending illnesses and now unusually cold temperatures, our holiday plans are looking a little quieter than we thought they would. At first, I felt frustrated by this. It’s my favorite time of year, and I love gathering with friends and family, going out … Continue reading When Christmas isn’t what you pictured
advent
When the waiting feels lonely
I like to think of Advent as a beautiful season of anticipation, joy and expectation. And while it is those things, it can also be quite lonely. We might be waiting for things that others don’t understand or that they themselves haven’t had to wait for. I think about people who want to have a … Continue reading When the waiting feels lonely
When you don’t feel ready for Advent
The holiday season snuck up on me this year. And I don’t think I’m alone in that. I’ve heard from countless people how they forgot Thanksgiving was this week, how they can’t believe it’s almost December. Probably doesn’t help that (at least in North Carolina) we’re having seasonal whiplash, going from 80 degrees to below … Continue reading When you don’t feel ready for Advent
Advent, bonus week // Starting weak
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always a weird one for me. The magic of December is quickly outpaced by the incoming grind of January and the pressure to "start the year off strong.” But there was one final thought from the book of Habakkuk that I wanted to share as a bookend … Continue reading Advent, bonus week // Starting weak
Advent, week 4 // Even if
Advent is just as much about remembering as it is about anticipating. We can rest assured that God will be faithful again because of his faithfulness in the past. After two chapters of Habakkuk’s wondering and questioning, we see him make a switch in chapter three, called “Habakkuk’s Prayer.” He begins to recall victories and … Continue reading Advent, week 4 // Even if
Advent, week 3 // Though it tarry
In a season known for its hustle and bustle, the idea of waiting may feel a bit dissonant. But as we learn from the book of Habakkuk, and from celebrating Advent year after year, our questions aren't always answered in the way – or in the timeframe – we think they should be. In Habakkuk … Continue reading Advent, week 3 // Though it tarry
Advent, week 2 // When the questions come.
In my first Advent devotional I talked about how the book of Habakkuk starts with a question: how long? Maybe that’s how your Advent started as well. And maybe it’s not the only question you’re asking this season. As we go on to read the rest of the book, we see a series of questions … Continue reading Advent, week 2 // When the questions come.
Advent 2021: Promises from Habakkuk
I am not good at waiting. I’m not a naturally patient person. And yet, Advent is one of my favorite times of year. A season that is ALL about anticipation, all about waiting. A season that we’re about to enter into. This year instead of just reading about Advent, I wanted to write about it. … Continue reading Advent 2021: Promises from Habakkuk
HJC 