By Odelet Nance, director of multicultural affairs DEVOTIONAL: I hear music of Christmas everywhere. In the stores, in businesses and on the radio, the sounds of Christmas ring loud and clear. Music can be transformative and transcend barriers.

By Andrea Kraybill, a junior art major from Elkhart, Ind. DEVOTIONAL: Words have different interpretations depending on who is saying them and who is listening. Some go out of fashion, yet remain remnants of the past in our ears: twain, verily or prithee. As I read Hebrews, I am struck by the images that sacrifice … Keep reading »

By Maria Byler, a senior social work major from Goshen, Ind. DEVOTIONAL: Have you ever been waiting for something so long and so hard that you just ache? Maybe you are hungry, and anticipating a wonderful meal later. Maybe you know you will see a loved one soon.

By Jennifer Speight, a junior English major from Cleveland, Ohio DEVOTIONAL: Have you ever felt completely alone? Abandoned, even? Small and insignificant? I have. This summer, while participating in the college’s Ministry Inquiry Program, I went through a period of abandonment that was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. I felt as if God had … Keep reading »

By Deb Brubaker, professor of music THIS WEEK’S THEME: Save DEVOTIONAL: I remember the Advent wreath of my early years, centered on the kitchen table. It was made with fresh pine branches, encircling five candles on a red metal plate purchased on a summer trip to Minnesota. Each night our family of four would light … Keep reading »

By Hannah D. Miller, a senior peace, justice and conflict studies major from Scottdale, Pa. DEVOTIONAL: Do not assume you have privilege because of your ancestry, John says in the beginning of the Luke 3: 7-18 passage. Jesus is coming to turn structures of privilege on their heads.

By Becky Horst, associate registrar, grants coordinator and convocation coordinator DEVOTIONAL: What does “The Lord is near” mean in verse 5 of today’s Scripture? This phrase first stuck in my memory when I encountered it in a James Herriot book about his country veterinarian practice in England. The owner of one of Herriot’s clients was … Keep reading »

By Lynn Jackson, vice president for enrollment management DEVOTIONAL: Isaiah 12 has been called the Thanksgiving hymn. It is a surrendering to the Messiah and enjoys the benefits of that surrender.

By Kara Mishler, a senior elementary education and special education major from Shipshewana, Ind. DEVOTIONAL: Have you ever had that feeling when you just don’t know if you are going to survive what is ahead of you? The stress of homework, work, exams and just plain busyness gets to be too much and all you … Keep reading »

By Bryce Bow, a senior physical education major from Muncie, Ind. THIS WEEK’S THEME: Proclaim DEVOTIONAL: “Proclaim” is not a word I often use. In fact, it’s not a word I hear much at all. Nevertheless, it’s a word that seems to hold a very powerful and significant meaning in Scripture.