Move over COVID, Christmas is coming!

Christmas will be different this year for churches, individuals, and families. While some traditions must be put on hold, new activities are telling and sharing the story of Jesus’ birth.

Finding hope in the darkness

“When the time is the darkest, that is when the light of hope is the strongest,” says the Rev. John Boley. Advent 2020 is time to reflect on the difference… Continue Reading Finding hope in the darkness

More resources for Advent worship

The United Methodist Connection continues to provide worship resources for local churches to use this Advent season and into the new year.

Pondering with Mary

Mary lived in traumatic times and so do we. The Rev. Paul Perez suggests that her contemplative practices in the days before Jesus’ birth might work well for us, too.

While waiting for a vaccine

This Faithlink feature explores Advent themes and the “different kind of waiting” that the anticipated promise of a COVID-19 vaccine has generated.

God invites all children to play

He said “activity” instead of “nativity.” Maybe a six-year-old theologian named Drew had not made a mistake but instead voiced a great truth about God.

Coming and going in Advent

An experience in Africa in 1998 provides some comfort and hope to those waiting for Jesus this Advent 2020. Never fear. He IS coming.

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus

After a nine-month struggle to do ministry in a pandemic, pastors use creativity and flexibility to celebrate Advent safe from the coronavirus.

Grace for a time of trauma

2020 has been marked by trauma — polarization, racial reckoning, economic hardship, denominational division, and fragility in our democracy. Bishop David Bard shares good news of God’s gift of grace.

Bishop’s Advent video offers hope

“This Advent season,” says Bishop David Bard, “we find ourselves in the wilderness, exiled from our usual practices.” The bishop offers a song about the new thing God is doing… Continue Reading Bishop’s Advent video offers hope