Psalms 89:4, 36

Advent invites us to journey through the darkness to discover the light, the incarnate Word of God who "shines in the darkness" (John 1:5). This plan focuses upon the weekly themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—and serves as a guide through each week of the season. It is taken from our book, Dawn, with reflections for every day of Advent available within the Dwell Bible App.

The Psalms are full of rich truth and deep emotion. The writers didn’t ignore the world around them or try to pretend their problems weren’t real. Instead, they drew from the truth they knew about God (his words, his ways, his character) to shape their worship and worldview. We have the privilege and joy of drawing from this well of truth to encourage our own souls today.

Faithfulness is one of the most reassuring attributes about God. Yet when we are feeling spiritually parched, we sometimes wonder if God is still with us. This week, we’re going to explore God’s faithfulness in those desert places. Not only is God with us in difficult seasons, He is committed to strengthening our faith. He’s a God who is that good. He’s a God who is faithful!

The holidays bring excitement and busyness, sweet moments and chaos, blessing and frustration. In the hustle, bustle, merry, and bright, we’re looking expectantly for perfect presents and serene gatherings. The reality often falls short of our expectations. And that’s why celebrating Advent is an important rhythm for our calendars. As you eagerly anticipate Christmas day, find moments to pause and rest in the story of God’s love.