Rimljanima 8:24-25

Millions of Christians around the world will be celebrating Christmas this year. Advent, a beautifully symbolic celebration leading up to Christmas Day, is a huge part of the Christmas festivities in many countries. As you read this exciting Advent devotional, you'll have the opportunity to join in and celebrate with your brothers and sisters from far off nations and learn from their unique and powerful perspectives and traditions.

Suffering can be perplexing. God’s people—and even Jesus himself—have often asked the “Why?” question when facing suffering. Scripture pulls back the curtain to reveal some, though not all, of God’s purposes in permitting suffering to enter our lives. Through it all, we are called to persevere faithfully, resting in the assurance of ultimate victory and eternal reward.

We may not always see or feel it, but God is always with us... even when we're going through hard things. In this plan, Finding Hope Coordinator Amy LaRue writes from the heart about her own family's struggle with addiction and how God's joy broke through in their darkest times.