Imperfect is completely acceptable.
As the tasks pile up and the clock ticks away, some of us might feel frustrated by the vision of a quiet time of Advent prayer. Our mentor team offers practical suggestions — from worthy readings to a moment of prayer to setting a gentle alarm — all with the understanding that time is precious and limited. And does it help to know that some of us didn’t start any kind of Advent prayer practice until just the other day? Imperfect is completely acceptable when it comes to moments with Jesus.
“I long to have time to connect with God, particularly in these weeks of Advent, but I cannot see practically how this will mesh with my academic life and responsibilities. Do you have any encouragement or advice for me?”
One thing that helps us: remembering God’s invitation to stillness and rest. The Lord doesn’t demand or badger, waiting for us to scribble check marks down the side of our lists, but instead offers us an easy yoke and a light burden. Donna Barber’s beautiful essay reminds us to move toward the peace of God and away from the busyness of this world.
“Rest is not what we do but what we find or discover when we stop doing. It is what we receive when we come to him. Like water, it is something we often don’t realize we need until we find it.”
You’re Invited!
It’s not too late to read with us this Advent! Women Scholars and Professionals will be reading a free Advent devotional by author and scholar Kate Bowler. Sign up at The Well to connect with Women Scholars and Professionals, then head over here to access Kate's free devotional. You can still join in the readings — and we have one more online meeting coming up as well!
Weekly Prayer. Prayer gatherings are on break for the rest of this year. We anticipate starting up again on January 12 — keep an eye out for an announcement with specifics!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
Get your Advent books on sale at InterVarsity Press! From now until December 18, get 25% off select books when you use promo code IVPCHRISTMAS23 at ivpress.com. You'll also get free US shipping when you select USPS Economy shipping.
Believers in Business Conference 2024. MBA ministry is excited to announce the 19th annual Believers in Business Conference February 23-24, 2024. Their vision is to inspire and equip attendees to become believers who are radically inspiring to others in all areas of their lives. Registration opens in late October. In the meantime, follow on Instagram and spread the word to those you think would be interested in participating.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Need a trick for managing awkward holiday parties? Memorize a few conversation starters and you’ll be prepared when the small talk grinds to a halt.
How might God be inviting us to participate in the peace of the world this Advent? Dr. Brenda Salter-McNeil asks probing questions in this excerpt from a recent sermon.
Calling all nurses and healthcare staff educators! Check out the new podcast from Nurses Christian Fellowship called Following Jesus in Nursing.
Some of us made a riff on these peppermint brownies and people are still talking about them, more than a week later.