December 2025 - Gifts of Advent
Most of us know that “advent” is about the coming of Jesus to our world, to us, for us. It’s a time for reverence, for remembrance, for reflection, for response. Just consider a few of the gifts He brought to us:
As Immanuel, promising and desiring to be with us…
As Savior/Messiah, saving us from sin and reconciling us to God…
As The Way, giving us a relationship with our Father…
As the Light of the World, scattering the darkness…
As the Incarnation…
God Is Doing Some Big Things
I am thrilled and in awe of all I see God doing—all over the world, and especially among GenZ. In Cru and Inter Varsity and other campus ministries, students are responding—to know Jesus, to follow Him, to go to the world. And revival is happening in many prisons and in places where it is dangerous to follow Jesus.
And last month You Version Bible App celebrated “Beyond a Billion: A Night to Celebrate the Bible.” The event recognized one billion global installs of the Bible App, acknowledging growing global interest in Scripture and the role technology is playing in expanding the availability of the Bible. Here's a peek at the event:
Speaking of You Version…
Cru has done many apps on You Version. A recent one was on Win Build Send: Stories to encourage you to grow in your faith and join God's mission. Here is my contribution:
Four Books by Friends to Read and/or Give
Follow the Evidence by Bruce Cook
My endorsement: I have walked with God and served in ministry for more than 60 years. On rare occasions life events—world and personal—sneak in to suggest doubts about the validity of my faith. But Bruce has given me all the evidence I need to resist them and to live confidently in the truths God has given. Not a dry academic book, but a captivating story of discovery. Thank you, Bruce!!
Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats by Alyson Pryor
My friend Alyson Pryor gently guides you on a healing, life-giving path of spiritual renewal through personal retreats of silence, solitude, and intentional rest.
For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in America by Dorothy Littell Greco
A review: A well-written, broad-spectrum examination of misogyny in America. Greco is both clear-eyed and compassionate as she makes her case “for the love of women” rooted in Gospel values. She ends with actionable suggestions—and best of all, with hope.
The Freedom of Surrender: Forty Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ by Mary DeMuth
In The Freedom of Surrender, author Mary DeMuth invites you to journey through forty days of entrusting specific areas of your life to God—your inner struggles, your family, your expectations, your regrets, your ministry, your grief, your relationships, your job, your health, your finances, your future, and more. Every daily devotion includes Scripture, prayer, and Mary's original art that help you cast each care on the One who cares for you.
Thanksgiving with Family—and 2 Baptisms
My family is spread around the country—and so are my holidays. This Thanksgiving I was with Josh and his family for six days. Lesley’s local family celebrated on Thanksgiving Day. And at church Sunday we had a special celebration as Josh and Lesley’s two younger daughters were baptized. I was grateful to be there.
Celebrating the birth of Jesus with you,
Judy Douglass