Thursday, October 23, 2025

Finding hope — Advent devotional now available 🌠

Dear friends,

Advent is almost here. In the swirl of shopping lists, travel plans, and full calendars, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season is meant to bring: a quiet, steady drawing near to Christ.

That’s why we created Draw Near: Lighting the Advent Path with Hope, Peace, Joy & Love — a devotional designed to guide you day by day through the heart of Advent. Each entry invites you into Scripture, reflection, prayer, and a simple practice, so you can step into the season with intention rather than hurry.

Whether you’re reading on your own, sharing in a small group, or gifting it to your congregation, Draw Near offers a grounding rhythm to help you live the themes of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love — not just read about them.

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A Glimpse Inside

We thought you might like to experience it for yourself. Here’s a sample reading from Draw Near — the kind of gentle encouragement you’ll receive each day as you walk the Advent journey.

"Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42)

Shug Avery, in The Color Purple, offers this bit of holy mischief: “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” It’s a startling image of divine disappointment, but it has always struck a chord with me. I imagine God, the artist of stars and oceans and wildflowers, yearning for someone – anyone – to stop and take notice.

Jesus’ words in Matthew carry that same ache. Keep awake, he says. Pay attention. Don’t miss what matters. Advent begins not with sentiment but with summons: a call to wake up, to notice the beauty, the ache, the holy presence woven into our days.

Scripture is full of moments when God’s people lost focus, when we drifted into distraction or despair. But even then, God did not turn away. Even then, the Artist kept painting. Kept reaching. Kept hoping we’d lift our eyes.

This first Sunday of Advent is less about countdowns and candles and more about clarity: Where is God in your field of vision? What distractions have dulled your sight? This season is a sacred invitation to reawaken our attention and open our hearts to the presence of the One who never stopped noticing us.

For reflection: Set a timer for 10 minutes and take an unrushed walk, outside if possible, inside if not. As you move, ask yourself: What “purple” have I been passing by? Notice one small, easily overlooked sign of God’s artistry — a splash of color, a sound, a scent, a fleeting kindness. Pause with that sign, name it aloud, and thank God for the awakening.

Prayer: Awaken us, God, to your wonder and your artistry. Stir our sleepy spirits. Draw us near this Advent. Amen.

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