Advent Devotions 2022

Bringing God's Dreams to Life
Posted by Rachel Held Evans on

  Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy...

Christmas Music
Posted by Pam Vandever on

  My favorite thing at Christmas is Christmas music. Since I was a little girl, I have been in love with all of the music. My tastes have changed over the years, but I still love most all of the songs of Christmas. When I was young, our mom had one of those huge console stereos with a...

Memories and Miracles
Posted by Bonnie Rushlow on

  My favorite things about Christmas are the memories and miracles of Christmases past. Christmas has always been a very special time of year for our family. My late husband, Ken and l were blessed to have two daughters—both born in December. For us, there was no better gift than...

Sweet Friendships
Posted by Cori Brantley on

  My favorite thing? How do I pick? There are too many! Hugs, time with family, my favorite food, my favorite song, my favorite Christmas tradition, hot coffee, warm blankets, laughing until my stomach hurts, sunsets, watching a seed turn into a zinnia, butterflies, chickens...

Reminders of God
Posted by Nancy Jones on

  The song, "My Favorite Things" reminds me to take notice of things in life which bring to mind God’s presence, goodness, and love.   These are some of mine:   Sun sifting through a stained glass window…a tiny hand of a child…old familiar Christmas carols...

Youthful Traditions
Posted by Janet Romano on

  Christmas is a time to reflect, a time to share and make memories with family and friends, and a time to rejoice in all the traditions our church does in the holidays. For me, some of my best church family memories revolve on the sixteen-plus years Jim and I were involved with the...

Trimming the Tree
Posted by Lydia Bain on

  My daughters love our family traditions and are quick to correct you if you try to change any of them. I must say I love our traditions because they are what we have built our family memories on.   Our tree trimming tradition is one of our favorites. It starts with us pulling out the...

The Advent Failure
Posted by Kaitlin Curtice on

  Editor's Note: Today's devotion (written by one of our favorite authors) goes out especially to all our friends and members who are suffering from illnesses at this time. We love you, and we are praying for you. The wicks of our Advent candles have barely burned as they should, so they...

The Joys of Caroling
Posted by Leigh Ann Tribble on

  A tapping foot. Glistening eyes holding back tears of remembrance. A warm smile that often stretches from ear to ear. A cupped hand behind an ear to better capture sound. Moving lips that may or may not emit a sound. Gentle or enthusiastic clapping. These are a few of my favorite things...

The Gift of Time
Posted by Laura Headley on

  Who could know that one of my “favorite things” would be the gift of time? I recently was reminded of what a gift time really is.  Having recently completed a season of intense, dedicated study for a work project, I find myself with the gift of “space” where...