Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown. This Advent season we will explore the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season.
As you journey through this season, may you find words for belovedness and hope. May you find words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.
12.1 | You Are a Blessing
Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 1:26-38
12.8 | We Can’t Go Alone
Ruth 1, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
12.15 | Do the Good that is Yours to do
Isaiah 58:9b-12, Luke 3:7-16
12.24 | Hope is Worth the Risk
Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:46-55
12.25 | Love Knows Your Name
Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:1-20
