In this fourth and final week of Advent, Pastor James reflects on the theme of love as the lived promise of Emmanuel—God with us. Drawing from Wesleyan theology, he frames love not as an abstract idea but as a practice of presence: being fully present with God, with ourselves, and with others. He offers three simple, accessible practices to make love tangible—an Emmanuel breath prayer (“God with us”), intentionally being present with another person without agenda or judgment, and engaging in anonymous acts of kindness that allow God’s love to be experienced in the world. As Advent draws to a close and Christmas approaches, this reflection invites listeners to embody discipleship by making hope, peace, joy, and love real through everyday, practical acts of presence and care.

In this Advent reflection on Joy, Pastor James invites the Dulin community to move beyond seeing joy as mere happiness and instead understand it as a deep, resilient gladness rooted in connection with God and nurtured through daily practice. Drawing on Wesleyan theology and Paul’s teaching on the fruit of the Spirit, he frames joy as something cultivated through lived faith, even amid difficulty. He offers three simple, practical practices: naming one small joy each day, engaging in an act of joyful generosity, and giving oneself permission to honestly feel and share one’s emotions in God’s presence. Through everyday examples—warm coffee, children’s laughter, sunlight through stained glass—James reminds listeners that joy often arises in ordinary, unexpected moments and grows when it is noticed, shared, and welcomed. He closes with a blessing that joy might meet listeners in surprising places as they continue their Advent journey toward love.

In this second week of Advent, James reflects on the meaning of peace—not as mere quiet or the absence of conflict, but as the deep biblical vision of shalom/shlama: wholeness, right relationship, and holy love. He invites the congregation into practical, accessible ways of embodying peace each day, beginning with a simple “peace pause” of slow breathing and the prayer, “Christ, make peace in me and through me.” James encourages peaceable conversations marked by attentive listening, genuine apology, and intentional encouragement, as well as extending peace outward by silently blessing those we pass in our daily lives. In a season often filled with chaos and hurry, he reminds listeners that worship and community can be a sanctuary of calm and connection, and he prays that Christ’s peace would take root in each heart—shaping self-care, relationships, and presence in the world throughout this Advent journey.