Dean's Remarks

As we enter the remaining days leading up to Christmas, I pray that, amidst the hurries of the academic season and life itself, you find ways to slow and reflect. In a return to old traditions, I pulled out an Advent wreath that hadn’t been used for a couple of years and have been intentional to set aside time (most) days to light the candles, read scripture and a devotional, and to pray and contemplate on the simplicity and majesty of the season.

In keeping with Advent traditions, my prayer for us this Christmas is –

May the lowly birth of the King of Kings give us a renewed sense of HOPE that God continues to move in unexpected ways for our good.

May Christ’s death and resurrection remind us that we are called to LOVE without exception.

May the gift of eternal life with Him provide us unlimited JOY whatever our current circumstances.

And, may the God of PEACE give us the courage to be agents of reconciliation in our families, communities, and world.

Whatever challenges you face, joys you experience, or waiting of which you are a part, His hope, love, joy, and peace have endured for the ages and yet are still available to us now.

I pray this for you, I pray this for me, I pray this for us.

Grace and peace to you!