The term “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” It’s a season of longing, looking forward to the arrival of the Lord.   When we talk about the coming of Jesus during Advent, we encompass three dimensions of this arrival: the past coming, commemorating the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago; the present coming, signifying God’s entry into our lives when we choose to place our trust in Him; and the future coming, a belief in God’s upcoming return to fulfill His redemptive work and renew all things.   […]

In May of 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office released a study showing that over half of the United States felt significant levels of isolation and loneliness BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. The lock downs and social distancing that followed only further increased disconnection. The report goes on to describe that isolation and loneliness have the same impact on health as smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. This leaves no doubt as to why God places such importance on our connection with others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 conveys the importance of companionship, stating that two are better than one, as they support and […]