Tag: jesus

I Think I Will Give Up Worry for Lent!

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

(Revised from 2020)

This year, I think I’ll give up worry for Lent.

Yesterday, I watched news footage from the Fat Tuesday celebrations in New Orleans—a day when many indulge in gluttonous feasting and revelry. Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of intentional preparation for Easter. During this sacred season, believers focus on self-examination, reflection, and repentance.

Traditionally, Christians choose to give up something significant to them during Lent. I have friends who forego their favorite indulgences—chocolate, coffee, sugar, or soft drinks—as a form of spiritual discipline. But since I seem to have a genetic predisposition to worry, I think I’ll try giving that up instead—for at least 40 days.

The Burden of Worry

I don’t actually like to worry. In fact, I know it’s not constructive. Worry is like spam or junk mail—it clutters my mind, taking up valuable space needed for creative thinking, planning, visioning, and problem-solving. I function far better when I’m not weighed down by excessive worry.

And yet, worry is persistent. Each time I try to kick it out the front door of my mind, it sneaks around and slips back in through the back.

Years ago, a friend of mine had a giant poster mounted above his desk that read:

“Don’t tell me worry doesn’t help. Half the things I worry about never happen.”

Erma Bombeck humorously captured the futility of worry when she said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”

An Inherited Habit?

I sometimes wonder if worry can be inherited. I watched the wear and tear of worry in my parents and grandparents and have noticed that many of their offspring—including me—struggle with this same mental distraction.

And I’m not alone. Over coffee, I’ve listened to CEOs, ministers, business owners, attorneys, physicians, and educators share their struggles with worry. It’s no surprise—there’s always something to be anxious about:

  • Our businesses
  • Our families
  • Our investments
  • Terrorism
  • The economy
  • Political turmoil
  • Wars and rumors of wars
  • Friends losing their jobs
  • Health concerns
  • The future…

The list seems endless.

A Better Way

Perhaps I’m not the only one who should give up worry for Lent. Since this is a season of intentional preparation for Easter, maybe we should all listen again to the words of Jesus:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” — Matthew 6:25-27

As we begin our Lenten journey, I’m trying to give up worry for at least 40 days. Maybe—hopefully—even longer.

Would you like to join me?

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist for the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

What Is Lent and Why Do We Observe It?

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Each year, as winter begins to fade and the hope of spring draws near, the Christian calendar marks a sacred season: Lent. But what exactly is Lent? Lent is a 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and preparation leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. Traditionally observed by many Christian faith communities, Lent is a time for spiritual self-evaluation, often marked by prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

What is the purpose of Lent? Pope Francis suggests, “Lent comes providentially to awaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.”

Lent is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It is a time set apart to reflect, reevaluate, repent, refrain, and refocus.

Lent is a time to reflect. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day without pausing to consider where we are spiritually. Lent provides a unique opportunity to slow down and reflect. It invites us to ask, How is my relationship with God? Where are my priorities? Is my lifestyle consistent with my faith? Through reflection, we gain clarity about our faith and recognize areas where we need growth.

Lent is a time to reevaluate. In the stillness of reflection, we are led to reevaluate our priorities. The world constantly pulls us in different directions, often distracting us from what truly matters. Lent challenges us to examine our choices, our commitments, and our daily habits. Are we devoting our time and energy to things that nourish our souls? Are we living in a way that aligns with God’s purpose for our lives? This season gives us the space to make adjustments and realign our lives with His purposes.

Lent is a time to repent. At the heart of Lent is repentance—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is a time to be honest about our shortcomings, not with shame, but with a desire for transformation. Scripture reminds us, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not about dwelling on our failures; it is about embracing God’s grace and asking God to renew our hearts.

Lent is a time to refrain. One of the most well-known Lenten practices is fasting—giving up something as a way of drawing closer to God. Whether it’s food, social media, entertainment, or another comfort, fasting teaches us discipline and dependence on God rather than earthly things. Refraining is not just about sacrifice; it’s about making space for something greater. When we let go of distractions, we create room for God’s presence to fill our lives in new ways. As we think about the things we might give up for Lent, Amanda Jobs reminds us, “It is not just about giving up our favorite food but it’s about going further and giving up things like hatred and unforgiveness.”

Lent is a time to refocus. Ultimately, Lent is about refocusing our hearts and minds on Christ. It is a season to strip away what is unnecessary and center our lives on what truly matters. As we journey through these 40 days, we prepare ourselves to embrace the joy and victory of the resurrection. By shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal, we deepen our faith and draw closer to the one who teaches us how to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).

The faithful observance of Lent can be both uncomfortable and hopeful. Kate Bowler cautions, “Lent is full of hard truths. And it is a perfect moment for spiritual honesty. We can look on this tragicomedy with love and bemusement as we wait for the someday that will be God’s promised future.”

Lent is not about obligation—it is an invitation. An invitation to reflect, to reevaluate, to repent, to refrain, and to refocus. It is a journey that leads us deeper into God’s love and prepares us for a more meaningful celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Press On! Navigating Life and Faith During Challenging Seasons

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Have you ever just wanted to give up? Will Rogers quipped, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.” 

A few years ago, after several consecutive days of conversations with friends and fellow church members who felt their world was unraveling, I sensed the weight of the many concerns entrusted to me. As is my pastoral practice, I withdrew to my study to pray, reflect, and seek wisdom for those navigating difficult seasons.

Many members of my community had suffered from the destruction of property due to storms, the loss of business due to an oil spill, the loss of family members due to a tragedy, or the loss of hope due to a toxic political divisiveness.

While I was honored to listen to their stories—privately and confidentially—I found myself wishing I could gather all of them in the same room and say, “You are not alone. Others in this room are also struggling. You can help each other through this.” And most of all, “In the toughest moments, do not give up. Press on!”

Since I could not bring such a group together, I recorded in my journal the words I wished I could say to them, weaving in real-life dilemmas shared with me (anonymously, of course). The following Sunday, I included those words at the end of my sermon and later shared them in our church newsletter.

Now, we find ourselves in another season where hardship weighs heavily on many, both in our community and around the world. Once again, I feel a deep, cumulative heaviness in my soul. As I lift these concerns in prayer, I realize that the struggles that send us into emotional or spiritual tailspins haven’t changed much. Life is still challenging. Storms still come. Divisiveness still threatens to undo us. Fear and anxiety continue to creep in.

But in every hardship and every circumstance, we are called to press on—with patience, perseverance, and faith.

The words I shared then are still as relevant today as they were years ago. May they encourage you in your journey:

Life is a fragile gift—often unfair, frequently unpredictable, and mostly uphill.
The journey requires faith, courage, and determination.
There will be moments when your commitment is tested and your motivation wavers.

When you are tempted to give up or give in—press on!
When life throws you a curveball and the unexpected happens—press on!
When you are weighed down by sadness or battling deep depression—press on!
When frustration rises because of the incompetence of a neighbor or colleague—press on!
When you stand at the foot of the mountain, facing the long climb of recovery—press on!
When you begin a treatment regimen that weakens your body but must strengthen your health—press on!
When exhaustion settles in, and you are tired of being tired—press on!
When your friends are difficult to deal with, or your family is hard to live with—press on!
When you move to a new town or start at a new school, feeling like a stranger—press on!
When loneliness lingers, even in a crowd—press on!
When the news is filled with gloom and doom—press on!
When your workplace is dominated by chaos or conflict—press on!
When you are tempted to settle for mediocrity or risk losing your integrity—press on!
When death or disease takes away someone you love, in the power of the Spirit—press on!
When life gets turned upside down, steady your nerve and stay the course—press on!

Circumstances can change quickly and none of us are exempt. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Maya Angelou counseled, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.”

LL Cool J advises, “When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm, take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on.”

Pressing on doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or pretending everything is fine. It means choosing to keep moving, even when the path is difficult. It means holding onto faith when answers seem distant, leaning on the strength of God when our own runs out, and trusting that even the hardest seasons can be navigated with wisdom and courage.

No matter what you face today, know this: You are not alone. The valley will not last forever.

So take a deep breath, lift your head, and press on!

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Navigating Life on the Island of Misfit Toys: 7 Ways to Deal with Loneliness at Christmas

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

For those of us who grew up watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Island of Misfit Toys has become a symbol of being different, overlooked, or left out. Although the toys were not broken, they were misunderstood and longing for a place where they belonged.

For many individuals, the holidays can feel like that island—a season where everyone else seems to have a place, a purpose, and people to share it with, while loneliness leaves us feeling adrift. In a recent Harvard study, 21 percent of adults indicated they have experienced serious feelings of loneliness.

If you’re feeling like life on the “island” is your reality this Christmas, take heart. Loneliness, though difficult, does not have the final word. Here are some ways to find meaning, connection, and even joy during the holidays, no matter your circumstances:

1. Own your uniqueness. On Rudolph’s journey, Charlie-in-the-Box insisted, “Being a misfit means that you are special. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate who you are.” Loneliness can stem from feeling out of place or like you don’t measure up to others’ holiday experiences. But the beauty of Christmas is that God didn’t choose perfection to carry out his plan. God chose a humble manger, ordinary shepherds, and a small, overlooked town. Lean into who you are, and remember that you are uniquely and wonderfully made.

2. Come to terms with your feelings. It’s okay to admit that the holidays are hard. Whether you’re grieving a loss, facing a season of change, or simply feeling the ache of solitude, naming those emotions can be a powerful first step toward healing. Even Jesus experienced loneliness and sorrow. He knows your pain and he is near to you, offering comfort and peace.

3. Look for fellow “misfits.” The Misfit Toys didn’t stay isolated. They found each other. Seek out others who may also feel disconnected during this season. Attend a community event, reach out to a friend, or visit a local church. Many people long for connection but don’t know how to take the first step. Your initiative could be a gift not only to you but to someone else.

4. Find joy in serving. One of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness is serving others. Volunteer at a shelter, bake cookies for your neighbors, or send handwritten notes to people who might also be feeling alone. When we shift our focus outward, we often discover new connections and purpose in the process.

5. Lean into the Christmas story. At its core, Christmas is not about parties, gifts, or picture-perfect moments. The Christmas story is about God stepping into our messy, lonely world to be with us. The birth of Christ is a profound reminder that we are never truly alone. Emmanuel, “God with us,” means God is present in your quiet moments, your tears, your laughter, your challenges, and your joys.

6. Create your own traditions. If old traditions bring more pain than joy, don’t be afraid to start new ones. Hermey the Elf advises, “Follow your passion and dreams, even if they don’t fit into the mold. Be true to yourself and find joy in pursuing what you love.” Write a poem, start a jigsaw puzzle, try the new recipe, dance by the light of the tree, or take a peaceful walk under the stars. Simple, meaningful actions can help you reclaim the season.

7. Give yourself the gift of grace. It’s okay to feel lonely, and it’s normal to experience melancholy during the holidays. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your emotions feel a little chaotic. The first Christmas night wasn’t filled with jubilant celebration but with quiet humility. Let yourself rest in the peace of the season, know that your self-worth isn’t determined by how festive you feel.

The story of the Misfit Toys didn’t end with them being forgotten. Rudolph and his friends ensured they were found, loved, and given purpose. Christmas is a reminder that we are never truly left behind. God sees us, loves us, and has a purpose for us—even when at times we feel like misfits.

Dare to step outside your comfort zone this Christmas. As Yukon Cornelius wisely observes, “Adventure awaits those who are willing to take risks. Embrace the unknown and discover the wonders of the world.”

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Creek in northeast Alabama.)

Comfort and Joy: 10 Christmas Carol Lyrics That Speak into Our Grief

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Christmas is often a season of joy, but for many, it can also bring waves of grief as we remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Often their absence speaks more loudly at Christmas.

Perhaps you can identify with the person who said, “I see you in the lights on the tree and the ornaments we used to hang each year. I hear you in the carols we loved to listen to together. I miss you so much this year, but I feel you all around.” 

If you are feeling a heavy sense of loss this Christmas season, lines from these 10 carols can remind you of God’s presence and promises even as you navigate your grief:

1. “The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices.” (from O Holy Night) In moments of weariness and grief, these words remind us that hope can restore and renew our spirits. The birth of Christ is a beacon of renewal, bringing joy even to heavy hearts.

2. “Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray.” (from Away in a Manger) A tender prayer for God’s nearness, this stanza offers reassurance that Jesus is with us, even in our deepest sorrow.

3. “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” (from Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) These words proclaim peace—not just in the world, but in our hearts. They remind us that God’s grace sustains us, offering comfort when grief feels overwhelming.

4. “O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.” (from It Came Upon the Midnight Clear) This carol reminds us to pause and find rest for our weary souls. In our grief, we can find comfort in the message of peace and hope proclaimed by the angels.

5. “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” (from O Little Town of Bethlehem) Grief often amplifies our anxiety about the future, but this lyric reminds us that Christ’s birth intersects with our hopes and our fears, offering peace and reassurance.

6. “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.'” (from I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day) Written during a time of personal sorrow, this carol especially speaks to those who feel abandoned in their grief. It reminds us that God is present and actively working for our good.

7. “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” (from Silent Night) The serene imagery of this carol invites us to embrace stillness, trusting in the calm and brightness that God’s presence brings, even in the midst of pain.

8. “Let every heart prepare Him room.” (from Joy to the World) Grief can leave an emptiness in our hearts, but this stanza invites us to make room for Christ, who fills us with peace, hope, and joy.

9. “Born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.” (from Come Thou Long Expected Jesus) This carol expresses a deep longing for freedom from life’s burdens and rest in Christ’s presence.

10. “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” (from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) This ancient carol speaks directly to those in sorrow, promising that God is with us. Emmanuel—God with us—is a powerful reminder that we are never alone.

Christmas carols are not just songs of celebration; they are also prayers, petitions, and promises of God’s love and presence. For those grieving, these words offer a unique blend of comfort and hope, pointing us to the truth that Christ came to bring peace and healing to a broken world.

Don’t hide during the holidays. Light the candles, prepare the meal, and sing the caorls. Alan Wolfelt suggests, “During your time of grief, the very rituals of the holidays can help you survive them.”

This Christmas, may the timeless words of these songs bring you comfort, reminding you that Christ’s light often shines brightest in the shadows.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Creek in northeast Alabama.)

Reflecting on the Nativity: Finding Meaning in the Manger

On By barrysnotes3 Comments 
          

One of the first Christmas songs I heard on the radio this year was Anne Wilson’s “The Manger.” Sung as a duet with Josh Turner, the song begins with a story:

They’re putting decorations up in front of my old church
The shepherds and the Wise Men and the hay
There’s Joseph and his Mary lookin’ down at Heaven’s birth
And the angel’s saying don’t you be afraid.

Right after Thanksgiving, my wife began putting up our decorations. A couple of days later, I rose early to savor my first cup of coffee and begin my morning reading, I experienced an unusual sensation: I felt as though I was being watched.

While the coffee brewed, I opened my laptop to check the news headlines. As my eyes scanned the screen, the feeling persisted—an awareness of other eyes observing my every move. After a few moments spent praying for guidance, expressing gratitude, and remembering the poor, the homeless, and those grieving during the holidays, I decided to investigate further. I surveyed the room more thoroughly, and then I saw them: Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus—everywhere I turned, they were watching me.

My wife, Amanda, is a Christmas enthusiast. She transforms our home into a holiday wonderland every year. Four themed Christmas trees light up our spaces, battalions of angels stand at attention, and a Dickens-style village invites us to step into another era. Two fluffy stockings, one red and the other green, hang from the mantle beneath wooden block letters that spell out J-O-Y and N-O-E-L. On the entertainment cabinet, other wooden blocks declare M-E-R-R-Y C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!

The central theme of our holiday decor is the nativity. In the quiet of the morning, as I surveyed our home to uncover the source of that watching presence, I counted 24 manger scenes—each offering a unique perspective on the true meaning of Christmas. Among them are a delicate blown-glass nativity, a hand-carved wooden set gifted to us by a Jewish craftsman in Birmingham, a camel-bone nativity from Egypt, and a ceramic crèche lovingly crafted by Amanda’s mother and painted by Amanda’s sister, Michele.

Everywhere I look, I am reminded of the Christmas story—24 renditions of the babe-in-the-manger throughout our home.

Why are nativity scenes such an important part of our Christmas celebration?   What message do they convey to us?

As the holiday season unfolds, nativity scenes appear in homes, churches, and public spaces, offering a timeless reminder of the story of Christmas. These simple yet profound displays help center our focus on the birth of Christ, grounding us in the deeper meaning of the season as we navigate the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and Christmas activities.

A nativity scene represents a story of humility and hope. A manger in Bethlehem becomes the setting for God’s love made flesh, reminding us that unrelenting grace often appears in the most unexpected places. Each figure—the holy family, shepherds, wise men, and even the animals—invites us to reflect on our role in this sacred narrative.

For families, nativity scenes can serve as a tangible way to teach children about the core message of Christmas. As young hands arrange the figures, they begin to understand that Christmas isn’t merely about gifts and festivities but about God’s greatest gift to humanity.

In a broader sense, nativity scenes inspire unity and peace. Regardless of cultural, political, or theological differences, the image of Christ’s birth resonates as a symbol of hope for all. The nativity narrative beckons us to pause, reflect, and rekindle the light of hope, peace, joy, and love.

The refrain to “The Manger” resounds with the good news of the season:

From the highest of the high to the lowest of the low
That stable tells a story of the distance you will go
For the lonely and the lost, there’s no sinner too far gone
To find a Savior lyin’ in the manger.

This Christmas, as you set up or encounter a display of the nativity, take a moment to ponder its message. Let it remind you of the simple, profound truth at the heart of the holiday: For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 NKJV)

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife live on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Taking the Scenic Route to Bethlehem

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Although plans for a federal highway system were underway as early as the 1930s, construction of the Interstate Highway System was officially authorized by the Federal Highway Aid Act of 1956. By the time I-20 opened between Atlanta and Birmingham in the 1970s, the residents of my hometown eagerly anticipated faster travel along this new freeway.

For years, my family had driven to Birmingham from Anniston on old Highway 78, a winding two-lane road that meandered across the Coosa River at Lake Logan Martin and over the mountains near Chula Vista. When I-20 finally opened, I was thrilled to accompany my grandparents on our annual Christmas trip to Birmingham’s Eastwood Mall. Our itinerary included shopping, visiting “the real Santa,” riding the escalator in Pizitz Department Store, and dining at Morrison’s Cafeteria.

To my surprise, my grandfather preferred the old two-lane highway over the new expressway. He often remarked, “The freeway is for people in a rush. The scenic route is for those who want to enjoy the trip.”

At the time, I didn’t know anything about Advent, but now I see how it invites us to take the scenic route to Bethlehem. The ethos of our economy pushes us toward Christmas in the fast lane, where the season seems defined by shopping, spending, and acquiring. John Jensen’s quip comes to mind: “The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry.” Advent, in contrast, encourages us to slow down and savor the scenery on the way to the manger.

As a young pastor, I was introduced to the colors and candles of Advent, and my journey toward Christmas changed forever. Now more than ever, I believe that as mission-driven Christians living in a market-driven culture, we need the reflective practices of Advent to help us resist the stealthy influences of materialism, busyness, and greed—forces that obscure the true message of the season and replace it with superficial slogans and commercial clichés.

Advent invites us to listen for a truth bigger than words and to long for a gift beyond material things. It reconnects us with the heart of the Christmas story, challenging us to reject cultural portrayals of a Jesus who promises prosperity, success, and self-fulfillment. Instead, it calls us to follow the biblical Jesus, who offers forgiveness, models simplicity, and teaches self-denial.

For Jesus followers and spiritual seekers alike, Advent is a scenic journey that begins with the promises of the prophets and culminates in the nativity. It’s a season of growing expectation that peaks when the Christ candle is lit and the Christmas star shines over Bethlehem.

Taking the scenic route to Bethlehem means revisiting the timeless stories of the prophets, Mary and Joseph’s journey, and the shepherds in the fields. It means pausing to notice the beauty of God’s work in the world and in our own lives.

By choosing this unhurried path, we open our hearts to both the joyful songs of angels and the mournful cries of a broken world. We make room for God to work in us, preparing us not just for the celebration of Christmas but for a life of following Jesus.

When we choose the scenic route to Bethlehem, avoiding the fast-paced cultural expressway, we create space to hear the still, small voice calling us to follow Jesus. By taking this road less traveled, we just might discover that the journey is every bit as meaningful as the destination.

(Revised article from 2017)

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

Embarking on Your Advent Journey: 10 Good Options for Online Devotionals

On By barrysnotes2 Comments

Advent is a sacred invitation to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Light that overcomes darkness and the promised One who brings everlasting hope. As we prepare for a meaningful Advent journey, a reflective series of Advent devotional readings can guide and encourage us along the way.

In a fast-paced and highly commercialized culture, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on the reason for the season. As someone wisely advised, “Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.”

Advent summons us to choose an intentional, more contemplative route to Christmas, which includes devotional reading, prayer, and reflection. If you prefer online devotional readings during Advent, there are many inspiring and convenient resources available.

A few years ago, I decided to go “paperless” in my devotional time choosing to utilize online Bible apps and a variety of e-resources for my devotional time. Online resources are especially helpful during holiday travels because the resources can be accessed on any internet computer or digital device. 

In preparation for Advent this year, I previewed several respected online resources to use in my own devotional time and to recommend to friends. I searched for resources that are easily accessible, theologically sound, and culturally relevant.

Like other online devotional resources, Advent E-Devotions may be created by churches, colleges and universities, missional organizations, or individuals. A few of the devotional sites invite you to register your email address and they will send a daily devotional directly to your inbox. Other sites have corresponding “apps” that you can download making access easier on your mobile devices. And all online sites can be bookmarked or added to your favorites list for ease of access.

Here are 10 online Advent devotional options that you might find helpful:

  • The Advent Conspiracy provides a unique approach to the season, focusing on Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. Engage with their daily devotionals that challenge the consumerist Christmas narrative and encourage a more intentional celebration. The devotionals for adults and youth, as well as children’s resources, are available at The Advent Conspiracy Movement Homepage.

  • Sacred Space is an online prayer site provided by the Irish Jesuits. They provide a guided Advent devotional series and an Advent Retreat option at www.sacredspace.ie.

  • Kate Bowler, a popular Duke professor, podcaster, and author whose mission is “giving you permission to feel human” offers a variety of Advent resources on her personal web site. You can find her reflections at Free Seasonal Devotionals for Advent – Kate Bowler.
  • D365.org offers daily devotionals designed specifically for youth and young adults. These engaging reflections include scripture, prayer, and interactive elements, making it a perfect choice for individuals or families seeking a dynamic Advent experience. (http://d365.org/)

  • Buckner International is a faith-based social service organization based in Dallas that serves hundreds of thousands of people each year across the United States and around the globe. Their Advent guide, written by assorted authors, can be downloaded at 2024 Buckner Advent Guide.
  • Bread for the World is an organization committed to pursuing a world where everyone has food security. Join Bread for the World in observing this Advent season as we reflect on the coming of Christ — Immanuel, God with us, the one who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to our broken world. You may sign up for devotionals at this link: Advent 2024: Seeking Peace in this Advent Season – Bread for the World

  • Pittsburgh Theological Seminary provides an Advent Devotional W-Book written by members of the seminary community. This e-book offers a read option and an audio option, and can be downloaded at http://www.pts.edu/devotional_1.

  • The United Methodist Church provides daily Advent devotionals that are grouped under the themes represented by the four Advent candles: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. You can access these resources at Daily Advent devotions: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love | UMC.org.

  • The Advent Project is an online devotional resource provided by the Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts from Biola University. Each day, there’s a work of visual art to contemplate, a scripture passage, a devotional, a poem, and a piece of music. In all of the variety, there’s sure to be something that speaks to your heart. The Advent Project 

Whether you are new to the practice of a daily devotional experience or a long-time practitioner, you may discover that a daily devotional can guide you on a meaningful Advent journey, helping you to pause, ponder, and prepare for a fresh engagement with the Christmas story.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

Building Up the Body: 10 Ways to Encourage One Another

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

People are hungry for encouragement. Life can be extremely discouraging at times.

During this season of wars and rumors of wars, of turbulent and toxic discourse, it’s not the TikTokers or the Tweeters, not the pop culture icons or the politicians, but the encouragers who are the most significant influencers.

William Arthur Ward “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

As followers of Jesus, we are called to build each other up and encourage one another daily (I Thessalonians 5:11). In a world filled with challenges, a word of encouragement can brighten someone’s day, restore their hope, or strengthen their faith. Here are 10 practical ways you can encourage those around you:

  1. Pray for each other. One of the most powerful ways to encourage is to pray. Let someone know you’re praying for them and lift them up regularly before God.

  2. Offer a listening ear. Sometimes the best way to encourage someone is simply to listen without judgment or interruption. Let them feel heard and valued.

  3. Speak words of affirmation.  A kind word can go a long way. Affirm someone’s strengths, character, or faithfulness. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

  4. Send an encouraging note. Whether it’s a handwritten card, a text message, or an email, a small note of encouragement can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are loved and appreciated.

  5. Share an inspiring verse of scripture. The Bible is filled with promises and encouragement. Share a meaningful verse that can uplift someone during a difficult time.

  6. Celebrate the accomplishments of others. Acknowledge the milestones and victories in someone’s life, no matter how small. Celebrating with others brings joy and motivation.

  7. Be present. Sometimes just showing up when someone is going through a tough time is the most encouraging thing you can do. Your presence can speak volumes when words aren’t enough.

  8. Be available to provide assistance. Practical support in the form of running errands, providing meals, or lending a hand can encourage someone who is overwhelmed or struggling.

  9. Be patient and forgiving. Encouragement often comes through offering grace and understanding. Be patient with others, knowing we all go through seasons where we need extra kindness.

  10. Speak the truth in love. Encourage others by speaking truthfully but with compassion. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is help someone see a situation with clarity, rooted in love and grace.

Never underestimate the power and importance of encouragement. George M. Adams writes, “Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.”

In a world where criticism, negativity, and hopelessness abound, encouragement can be a breath of fresh air. When we offer a word or gesture of encouragement, we may just resuscitate the spirit of one who is on the verge of despair.

10 Things We Need to Know About Joy

On By barrysnotes1 Comment

Joy is one of the most sought-after qualities in life, yet it often feels elusive.

Romans 15:13 requests, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

The Bible speaks of joy as something much deeper than momentary happiness—it’s a fruit of the Spirit, a gift from God that sustains us through all circumstances. Here are ten things we need to know about joy:

1. Joy is a gift from God. True joy is not something we manufacture on our own. It comes from a deep relationship with God, flowing from our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.

2. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. Happiness can change based on our situation, but joy remains steadfast. It’s possible to have joy even in difficult seasons because it comes from knowing God’s love and grace.

3. Joy and gratitude go hand in hand. A thankful heart cultivates joy. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we experience a greater sense of joy.

4. Joy is a choice. While joy is a gift, it also requires intentionality. We can choose to focus on God’s goodness and place our trust in God, even when life feels uncertain.

5. Joy energizes us. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy gives us the inner strength to endure trials and challenges with hope.

6. Joy is contagious. When we live with joy, it impacts those around us. A joyful spirit lifts others and creates an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity.

7. Joy comes through serving others. One of the greatest sources of joy is found in giving to and serving others. When we focus on the needs of others, we experience the joy that comes from living selflessly.

8. Joy and peace are connected. Joy and peace often go hand in hand. When we rest in God’s peace, it paves the way for joy to take root in our hearts.

9. Joy reflects our trust in God. When we trust that God has a plan for our lives and is working in us and through us to accomplish good, we can experience joy, even in uncertain times.

10. Joy is frequently found in the simple things. It’s often the little things and the routine things in life that bring the most joy. Max Lucado reminds us, “Find joy in the ordinary things.”  Likewise, Brene Brown suggests, “We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”

Rather than being a fleeting or situational emotion, joy is an attitude with which we proactively approach life. Joy is a disposition, a mindset that precedes and supersedes the highs and lows of our life experiences.

Henri Nouwen advised, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)