By Ruth Hochstetler, Good Library day circulation supervisor DEVOTIONAL: I have sisters-in-law who are elementary school teachers. With the start of each new school year, our family is entertained by the unusual or ridiculous names of children in their classrooms. A familiar name gets an update with a unique spelling, or a child is saddled … Keep reading »

By Justin Yoder, a junior music and interdisciplinary double major from Perkasie, Pa. THIS WEEK’S THEME: His glory is above earth and heaven DEVOTIONAL “I wonder if God comes to the edge of heaven each Advent and flings the Star into the December sky, laughing with joy as it lights the darkness of the earth; … Keep reading »

Jessica Gotwals, a junior nursing major from Telford, Pa. DEVOTIONAL: I can’t imagine what Mary would have felt when she received Gabriel’s message that she would be the mother of Jesus. Mary found herself in circumstances she could not explain. The social ramifications of her pregnancy were daunting, and she must have experienced moments of … Keep reading »

By Isaac Yoder-Schrock, a senior physics major from Donnellson, Iowa DEVOTIONAL: Those of us who live the North American lifestyle tend to live planned, non-mysterious and time-centric lives. Everything that matters can be easily explained and whatever cannot may be ignored or neglected. Often this even extends into our faith. It is in the proclamation … Keep reading »

By Sophia Metzger, assistant director of multicultural affairs DEVOTIONAL: This is an exciting time. Waiting in joyful hope, preparing for the coming of Jesus and all the rituals, meals and gatherings that come with it. I find it easy to become engrossed with activities during the holiday season, trying to ensure that everything is just … Keep reading »

By Jan Emswiler, assistant professor of nursing DEVOTIONAL: In these verses, I am struck once again by how God works with and through ordinary people, and how these important stories must be told and retold. In doing so, the retelling becomes a form of praise and adoration of the Creator and Sustainer.

By Sara Klassen, a sophomore psychology major from Goshen, Ind. THIS WEEK’S THEME: The revelation of the mystery DEVOTIONAL: Questions: the mark of human nature. We want to know why things happen and how things work. We want to predict the future and explain the past. Google provides a world of information at our fingertips. … Keep reading »

By Heather Goertzen, resident director DEVOTIONAL: It was just over a year ago that I was introduced to the Mennonite game. I grew up a “Coaster,” a funny and indecipherable surname, unindicative of its Polish roots, and married a Mennonite in a far away land where “Goertzen” was as unique (strange) as the gringos who … Keep reading »

By Alicia Hofer, a sophomore elementary education major from Dolton, S.D. DEVOTIONAL: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. We know this is not our first nature. How many times do we have a rough day, not wanting to rejoice, failing to pray because we don’t find the time or the … Keep reading »

By Saralyn Murray, a junior American sign language major from Orrville, Ohio DEVOTIONAL: When reflecting on the theme “awesome deeds we do not expect,” I am reminded of an incident from my summer. I was driving from my home in Ohio to the peaceful woods of Camp Friedenswald in Michigan. About an hour from my … Keep reading »