As this Advent season begins, what have you promised yourself about the holidays this year? Are you vowing to have a simpler Christmas? Planning to make time for some activity you love, or time with beloved people?

What promises are ahead for your family? Do you know some kids who are waiting eagerly to see what Santa will bring? Adults who are waiting eagerly to collapse, and finally get some rest? People who find this time of year hard, and are just hoping to get through it?

This is the season when we stop and see the wealth of God’s promises to us, as people of faith. We all have our own plans and promises to make and keep, but we are also swept up into God’s plans at this time of year.

Writing to the people of faith in the city of Thessalonica, Paul is remembering the promises that …