Dear friends in Christ,
It may well seem like every moment of every day is focused on the coming election. And as I wrote last week, I hope we are all praying and working for wise decisions in this time.
It’s also true that Advent is just around the corner. Whatever happens on election day, our nation will seem to grow more and more divided. Deep rifts have been laid bare. This makes Advent more important than ever.
Advent will be an excellent season to remember another time, in another nation, when violence and separation seemed to rule. And into that world came Jesus Christ, promising peace through mercy and grace. Advent also reminds us that one day Jesus will come in glory, setting right those things which are wrong, bringing healing where there are wounds, and rendering judgement on all.
I know that I am already yearning for Advent as a time to regain my perspective and to restore my sense of hope.
Forward Movement offers several resources to help you and your church savor the richness of Advent.
You can get packs of colorable Advent calendars—created by Jay Sidebotham—to support families in your church through the season.
Our newly published Advent devotional book, Show Me Your Ways, O Lord, takes us on a reflective journey through some of the psalms traditionally associated with Advent. And we offer other Advent devotional books as well.
Let us pray for peace and justice as we prepare our churches, our world, and our hearts to greet Jesus Christ.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
More from our ministry:
Join our online Advent calendar: AdventWord
Pray with us for the next week: A Season of Prayer
Celebrate the Twelve Days: Colorable Christmas calendar
Follow Jesus’ way through scripture: The Way of Love Bible Challenge