by Elizabeth Pierre
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling
Dear Students!
It’s that time of year! Yes, the holiday season is upon us. But there are also exams and papers due. Many of you are probably weary, anxious, and frustrated. You are ready for the semester to be over. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of studying and writing, remember that we are celebrating Christmas because of who Jesus is: Immanuel-God with us.
Our Lord Jesus is with you at the library, in your home, while you are making copies, as you are reading, and as you are figuring out what to write. I think you get the picture. He cares about all of it! So whisper a prayer or cry out for help! Pray alone or with others. And wait for how Jesus will come. Perhaps you will hear Jesus’ still small voice guiding you as to how best plan your day. Maybe it will be through an encouraging word from those in our community. Or maybe Jesus will come through a kind gesture from a stranger as you are heading over to Starbucks to get caffeinated. Know that in the midst of the frenzy and flurry of papers and exams, there will be moments of respite. Be open and expectant in how Jesus will come.
Are you wanting to intentionally seek out Jesus Immanuel this finals week? Join Student Association in prayer:
As we all know, finals week can often be stressful and exhausting, full of late nights, test taking and anxiety. This semester in addition to our usual efforts to encourage everyone during this week (which includes snacks and pizza on Wednesday night at 7:30!), Student Association would love for our community to engage in thoughtful prayer for one another. Follow this link (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iO_s3nmThebypEPZtB02Vjl8sg1jAGZP_5qbBoaKelk/edit?usp=sharing), to sign up for an hour time slot in which you will pray for our campus, professors, and students as we bring the semester to a close. You can pray from anywhere, alone, or in groups, we would just love for people to sign up for times so that hopefully someone will be praying all day, for all five days of that week. Let’s commit to blessing each other with prayer and finishing the semester strong!