Seasons

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: Welcome as in… Welcome The Seasons!

I’ve long been aware of my complicated relationship with “The Holiday Season,” which generally includes Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. But toss in Halloween and the New Year’s celebration, and it’s a lot.

With the Halloween decorations neatly tucked away, Thanksgiving arrives. Then, practically within hours, the Advent season begins. And for four weeks, we’re shopping, cooking, decorating, traveling, shoveling, and preparing for Christmas like there’s no tomorrow. But tomorrow never comes, and along with the excitement of the Christmas season, there is also the old familiar stress over politics, health, jobs, relationships, and finances. Then, before we can catch our breath, a new year is upon us. Then Epiphany. Then Valentine’s Day. The pace is relentless. That reminds me; then comes Lent!

Did someone say March Madness?

So much, so quickly! If this year is like so many years gone by, we’ll need a nap or therapy. Or both. I’m not kidding about that. For many, the last six weeks of the year are a huge challenge. And with everything going on in our world, we may be more inclined than ever to resist rather than welcome the seasons.

I wanted to change all of that. So, I gathered a team of highly creative partners to provide a way to embrace rather than resist the wonder-filled seasons ahead. What emerged is a devotional response to our deep longing to experience more of the beauty of this time of year. The “Welcome The Seasons” resource provides a way to experience each day of the Advent and Christmas seasons, leading to Epiphany Day at a pace that breathes life back into us.

The “Welcome The Seasons” devotional book features over 40 daily devotional writings, beginning on the first Sunday in Advent and running through Epiphany Day. In addition, scripture readings, original artwork from our Prince of Peace artists and photographers, small group discussion questions, and prayers specific to each day will stir your imagination and deepen your faith.

Learn more here!

Join me once again this year as we welcome the seasons together!

#100days50words

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.