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Scripture invites us to love because God first loved us. The Apostle John, who often described himself as the one Jesus loved, writes, “Dear friends, let us love one another.” This is not a call to create love on our own or to rely on our strength. Instead, our love is awakened as we pause and reflect on how deeply God has loved us first.
Week 4: Christ the Cornerstone of Love
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Advent reminds us that God has been at work through every generation, preparing the way for a Savior who would bring true joy. God promised that one day the world would rejoice through the coming of His Son, and this week we reflect on the joy that grows when we trust His faithfulness.
Week 3: Christ the Cornerstone of Joy
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In this season of Advent we remember that true peace is found, not in perfect circumstances, but in God’s presence as we wait. Throughout scripture, we read that God’s people often waited through seasons that felt uncertain or weary, yet God continued to speak promises of peace into their lives.
Week 2: Christ the Cornerstone of Peace
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Advent is a season of waiting where we are invited to step into a story that has been unfolding for centuries. It is the story of people who walked through darkness with a promise in their hearts. The psalmist cries out, “Why are you downcast. Put your hope in God.” He repeats these words as though he is reminding his own soul of a truth that feels distant. We understand this tension. As the days grow shorter and the sun slips away earlier, our longing for light grows stronger. Hope rises in the waiting.
Week 1: Christ the Cornerstone of Hope
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As the Advent season culminates, the greatest joy we celebrate is not in the presents or festivities, but in the profound love of God. A young student at Cornerstone expressed this beautifully when he said he was most excited about Jesus coming to the holiday, adding, “and Jesus doesn’t want us to be on the naughty list.”
Week 4: A Message of Love
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As we reflect on the joy of Advent, we are reminded of the profound joy set before Jesus—an enduring joy that was greater than any temporary suffering. We read in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”
Week 3: A Message of Joy
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At Cornerstone elementary school, one of our kids’ favorite Christmas songs to sing during chapel is “Follow the Star.” The song reminds us of the journey the three wise men took to find Jesus.
Week 2: A Message of Peace
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Happy Advent! This is a season full of joy and anticipation, as we prepare for the arrival of our Savior. Everywhere we look at Cornerstone, there’s excitement in the air—decorations going up, carols being sung, and students and teachers filled with holiday cheer.
Week 1: A Message of Hope
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We are pleased to invite you to join us for a very special Advent Devotional beginning Wednesday, December 4 leading us to Christmas day.
Join Us for an Advent Devotional!
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There are so many wonderful examples of how we show love to one another. Family members who lend a helpful hand or give a hug at just the right moment. Teachers who not only help their students reach academic goals but also help cultivate servant hearts. Friends who reach out when life feels hard.
Week 4: Love
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Many happy moments come to mind when we think of joy: gatherings with friends and family, going to camp, watching our favorite teams win, and attending birthday celebrations. At Cornerstone, we have seen and heard the joy in our buildings as Christmas draws near.
Week 3: Joy
The Gift of Joy
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As Christmas draws near, we reflect on God’s promise found in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This passage reminds us of the peace God gave through the birth of his son, Christ Jesus. What a gift!
Week 2: Peace
Jesus Gives Peace
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Happy Advent! In this season, we are reminded of the hope and assurance we have that God will fulfill all his promises through the birth of Jesus.
Week 1: Hope
Week 1: Hope
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Riding through town at Christmas time is a joyful spectacle to witness. No other time of year do we see lights like we do in December. Street lamps are adorned with holiday decorations and strings of light brightly decorate store fronts. Everywhere we turn, we see holly jolly illuminations glowing in the night.
Christmas Eve: See the Light
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One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music. I love listening to it and I love playing it! As a pianist, I have accompanied voices of different ages and levels of experience. For me, nothing compares to the sound of youthful voices singing together in sweet harmony, especially this time of year. It fills my soul with joy and peace.
Week 4: Peace on Earth
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When I think of joy, I am reminded of my trip to Africa this past summer. My friends and I stayed in a small village with people that had very little. Upon our arrival, the children in the village surrounded our truck with so much excitement that we could barely open the truck doors.
Week 3: Share the Joy
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If you are anything like me, you enjoy picking out the perfect gifts to give at Christmas. It is a way I can share my love and thoughtfulness with the people I care about. Seeing the smiling faces of my family opening gifts I have given fills my heart with joy!
Week 2: The Gift of Love
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It is the Advent season! The trees are going up and families are beginning to decorate for the holidays. Twinkling lights make our daily commutes a little happier. Children are counting down the days until Christmas. We are in a season of delight and wonder!
Week 1: He is Coming!
