A weary world needs hopeful stories
The ability of churches to share joyful stories that inspire action is especially important in hard times.
Recently published
Celebrating as a community the baby to come
In this excerpt from his book “Migrant God,” the Rev. Isaac Villegas writes about an impromptu baby shower in a shelter for migrants with a story that is particularly resonant for Advent.
Link to author Isaac Villegas
By
Isaac Villegas
Pastor and writer
Advent in western North Carolina: Waiting with deep hope
In the mountain area devastated by Hurricane Helene, waiting has become a part of life. And for many, that life also entails the hard work of hope, writes a speaker, author and musician who lives there.
Link to author David LaMotte
By
David LaMotte
Songwriter, speaker, author and peace activist
Mary’s mothering included many moments of tender nurture
The flesh-and-blood humanity of Mary’s motherhood has often been lost in our celebration of Advent.
Link to author Aleta Payne
By
Aleta Payne
Senior editor, Faith & Leadership
The messy hope of Christmas
The reality and context of Jesus’ birth are far more inspiring than the sanitized version that Western culture embraces, a pastor writes.
Link to author Jason D. Thompson
By
Jason D. Thompson
Pastor
Advent feels as if it were made just for me
The season of longing encompasses both the joy and the pain of our very human desire for God, writes an author.
Link to author Jean L. Neely
By
Jean L. Neely
Writer and educator
A note to pastors from a visitor in your pews
Writing from her perspective as a former pastor and now frequent church visitor, an associate director for the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program suggests simple, concrete ways to welcome the visiting stranger.
Link to author Sarah E. Forsyth
By
Sarah E. Forsyth
Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program
Advent’s surprise for us
What might happen if we greeted the season with wonder and amazement?
Link to author Emily Lund
By
Emily Lund
Director of Communications, Forum for Congregational Life
Allowing Advent to find us honestly
We can reframe the Advent season in order to reclaim it, writes an author and academic.
Link to author Shannon W. Dycus
By
Shannon W. Dycus
Pastor and educator
What was Joseph to do?
Mary is understandably a focus of most Advent stories, but there are also lessons to learn from Joseph.
Link to author Mycal X. Brickhouse
By
Mycal X. Brickhouse
Director, Fuller FORWARD, Fuller Seminary
Our grief doesn’t stop during Advent
The shepherds’ story within the greater nativity offers wisdom for those mourning a loss during Christmas, a pastor writes.
Link to author Kalina Carlson
By
Kalina Carlson
Associate pastor and entrepreneur
