Advent

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.

By Kalina Carlson Associate pastor and entrepreneur

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Creating our future is a group effort

As we head into a holiday season in this post-lockdown but not-yet-post-pandemic world, we must build new life — together, writes the senior associate editor of Faith & Leadership.

By Aleta Payne Senior associate editor, Faith & Leadership

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Reflecting on the incarnation amid chronic pain

A writer stretched thin by illness finds comfort in the natural world during a season of darkness.

By Allison Backous Troy Writer and educator

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Our bold "yes" this Advent

Rather than viewing this season as awaiting a return to the past, we can embrace it as an invitation to transformation and action, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Duke Divinity.

By Kelly Ryan Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

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Showing up as our true selves this Advent

As we anticipate Christ’s birth, let’s strip away false exteriors to embrace what really matters.

By J. Dana Trent Author

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Glimmers of Advent hope within exhaustion

In Advent, we are reminded that Jesus came to us, and stays with us, in times of trial.

By Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes Founding co-lead pastor, The Double Love Experience Church

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Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes: What is possible? Out of a season of hardship and into a season of hope

From her perspective in the midst of the pandemic and with a new year dawning, a New York pastor advocates for leaders to look again for possibilities.

By Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes Founding co-lead pastor, The Double Love Experience Church

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Chris Seiple: Let Advent remind us -- Christ came to save all

Christ’s unifying message was clear from the beginning -- that he is Lord and Savior of all, says an expert on religion and foreign policy.

By Chris Seiple President emeritus, Institute for Global Engagement

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Advent 2020 -- leaning into divine mystery

The right plot and cast of characters can help prepare us for a holy season of watching and waiting, writes a managing director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

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It's time to talk about Advent in a pandemic

If congregations begin to consider what Advent and Christmas might look like online, they will have time to imagine and plan together, writes a managing director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.