We stand here at the end of a year, ready to start 2018. What will the year ahead be like? We can't know in advance, but we can imagine already how Jesus will be with us in our ongoing story...Even in the gaps! We have come to this time of year where we wonder where 2017 has gone and what lies ahead for us in 2018. Part of looking at the past and moving into the future is looking back on what was "trending." What were those talking points that seemed to step out in front of most news and happenings? Those who use social media will see exactly what it is that is trending on social media. How many "clicks" did those items get? Will they be the talk of 2018 or just a distant memory? Recently, I

I am in awe of how fast it seems the Advent Season has gone this year! I know there are still the same number of seconds, minutes, and hours in a day each year, but for some reason, the pace seems extremely faster than years past. I could come up with a list of reasons why this feels like this to me. However, my focus is now to slow down...myself, my mind, my pace, my worry about all the details. I have been leading an Advent study called Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam, and it would be good to remind myself of the bedlam around me (some of my own creation, but some not). Last Sunday's worship service and the ones this coming Sunday on Christmas Eve are the perfect ways to slow mys