My apologies for the sparse postings lately. My Advent reflections usually make their way into print this time of year, but my mother-in-law has declined so much in recent weeks that other things have had to take priority. She eats and drinks very little anymore, and she no longer wishes to get out of bed. Her earthly journey seems to be coming to an end, sooner rather than later.

One resource we’ve found helpful these days is a brief trilogy by Len Sweet, a professor I’ve gotten to teach doctoral courses with over the past five years. They consist of comforting words of God’s goodness and grace that can be read to loved ones at various stages of physical and emotional decline. The three titles are:

Songs of Light: Words of Grace to Read Aloud with Those at Life’s End

Songs of Light: Words of Hope to Read Aloud with Those in Critical Condition

Songs of Light: Words of Life to Read Aloud with Those in Deep Despair

This has been a tough road to walk, but God has been faithful to us in the Advent-ure. The gospel of Jesus Christ shines so brightly in times like these.

Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth

Speaking of Advent, I hope to get the resources posted later today for Part 2 of our “Fear Not” series.

Be bold. Be strong. For the Lord our God is with us.