Presence

Do you find it hard to “be present?” The early church practiced presence by honestly situating their past and prayerfully entrusting their future to God. In so doing, they were able to find newfound availability for both God and one another.

The Advent season reminds us of the coming of a brilliant light that meets us in our darkness. This source of hope, Jesus, offers us presence and wisdom in a way that brings powerful healing and restoration.

A benediction is God getting the last word. In this benediction–from the last book of the Bible–God speaks a final word of grace to us that’s especially helpful when we’re under pressure, feeling stuck, struggling with a sense of purpose, and even facing the uncertainties of an election.

True blessings in the Bible are not vain hopes for fortunate outcomes, but confident reminders of God’s promised goodness to each of us.