Nicole’s e-Pistle

December 3, 2025

Greetings, Friends!

I have been reading through two Advent Devotionals (not including the one we read to the kids each evening). The first is the “Draw Near” devotional by Teri McDowell Ott that our congregation is reading this year. You should have received access to it through your email, or you can take one of the hard copies from the table in the Commons. The other one I’m reading is a leftover booklet from a series you read years ago called “Words of Wonder: Pauses for Advent” by Trevor Hudson.

Yesterday, I thought it was interesting that our “Draw Near” devotional talked about the importance of windows, especially as relates to the story of Noah adding a window in the ark, which turned out to be his lifeline after the storm. Then, as I read “Pauses for Advent,” the day’s devotion talked about opening the door to your life when Jesus knocks… Who would have thought that I would be thinking so much about doors and windows during Advent?

If doors are what we keep shut to shelter us from the unknown and windows are what we open to give us some breathing room, I wonder where you spend most of your time and energy. What are the doors in your heart that need to be opened to God’s possibilities? What lies beyond the windowpane of your soul that brings you hope and light?As we venture into this Advent season of waiting and anticipation for the coming of the Christ child, I hope you will take time to see how God is working in your life even now. In the chaos of the Christmas holiday season, find some time to rest and be still, even if it is just for five minutes a day.

May you always answer the door when you hear the gentle knock of your Savior, and may the Light of the Season shine brightly on all you love!

Blessings and Peace,