The season of Advent is often a season shaped by the liminal spaces between the now of where we find ourselves and our world, and the not-yet reality when all things will be redeemed and made whole by the living God. As Christ-followers, we hold on to hope in the middle of chaos because we know that Emmanuel is with us and ever at work within us and in our world.

In 2020, the chaos became defined more clearly by a worldwide pandemic that disrupted all our lives in a myriad of ways. Rhythms and routines, expectations and conversations, plans and hopes.

2000 years ago, other plans were also disrupted. An unexpected pregnancy, a fearful appearance of an angel, a disrupted night with the sheep, unplanned guests in the manger. But with that disruption, there came hope! Hope of a Messiah. Hope for a Saviour who would inhabit our broken world. Hope for One who would bring about shalom in all its fullness.