We come to Christmas—with aches in our souls and longings we hope are fulfilled. The beauty of Advent is we can experience both comfort and joy, both sorrow and victory, both ache and hope—as we wait for Jesus’ return.
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Searching for Advent
Billboards, Netflix, and the Target Store aisle teach us Advent is about preparing for Christmas. But, what is Advent? It is much more than hanging wreaths and the neighborhood cookie exchange. And celebrating this specific season can transform our Christmas season—for the better.
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Not Feeling 100% Thankful? It’s Okay. Here’s Why.
Thanksgiving plates are mixed with reasons to sorrow and reasons to rejoice. Is this okay? Yes. Here’s why.
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Why We Need the Gospel Every Day
I need to feel productive—even in gospel work. I write checklists, set goals, and add more and more to my list.
Where does this need for production lead me?
Doing more won’t settle any score and often keeps us distracted from what really matters.
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How to Manage Our Time Biblically
Time seems to sprint while I try to catch up. How we walk (or run) in our timed life on earth impacts eternity—and the lives around us today. So what does the Bible’s use of the words of time show us—in how we might manage the hours in our day?
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How to Celebrate Holidays While Struggling with Sadness
We need to stuff turkeys, not feelings. Here are a few ways to celebrate the holidays when you are feeling sad.
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5 Ways to Meditate When You’re Busy
Before marriage and starting a family, I’d meditate often. I cultivated stillness and reflection. Volumes of journals lay under my bed, full of pre-parenthood insights. But then the real grown-up stuff slid in: marriage, mortgage, and motherhood. The hours of dissecting the Bible, time to meditate, and philosophizing in my journals shifted to examining our budget and navigating a nut allergy. My spiritual balance habits needed a new rhythm. So, I learned creative
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How Norine Brunson Prayed When Her Husband Was Imprisoned
Officials arrested Andrew and Norine Brunson in 2016 when they applied for permanent visas in Turkey, where they’d lived and ministered for 23 years. Authorities released Norine 13 days later, but Andrew remained in prison for two years, accused of being a spy. I spoke with Norine Brunson for Christianity Today about the spiritual habits that strengthened her during her years of ministry and that sustained her marriage and her
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