Advent Day 16 – Joy – College Christmas

Grounded in Grace
Hebrews 13:7-17
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

To our college students: This season can bring a mix of emotions. You're navigating the growing pains of adulthood, balancing newfound independence with the familiar routines of home. The world may feel ever-changing—classes, friendships, decisions about the future—but Advent reminds us of a constant: Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
 
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to remember their leaders, live sacrificially, and be rooted in the unchanging grace of Christ. This advice is particularly meaningful for young adults exploring their identity and values. At college, you might have encountered new ideas and perspectives that challenged your faith or reshaped your priorities. As you return home, these verses invite you to reflect on the foundation you’re building your life upon: Christ’s love.

Home can be a place of comfort, but it can expose tensions as you navigate shifting roles. Hebrews 13 reminds us to avoid being "carried away by all kinds of strange teachings" and instead to rely on God’s grace. This grace is your anchor, helping you discern which lessons to carry forward and which to leave behind.
 
Central has promised to walk alongside you in your faith journey no matter how far you might go from home. Our hope is that you will feel the grace of God with you always.

To the loved ones: The return home for Christmas break is a moment of joy, but also a reminder of the changes that time brings. Your child, sibling, or friend is navigating the exciting yet challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood. They may have grown in independence, but still, they are learning to balance the world they’ve created for themselves with the familiar home they’ve always known.  

We try to remind them of God's grace and the feeling of home by sending love, prayer, and care packages twice a semester to our college students. In response to receiving care packages...
 
Lily Everette (ETSU first year) said, “Just made my day!!!! I got mail from central. Thank you for the gift card, cards, and text ❤️”

Clara Monts (UNCW sophomore) said to her mother, Sonya, “Tell Pastor Caroline I got the package! Thank you so much. It means so much especially after the hurricane.”
 
During this Advent season, you have the unique opportunity to support them as they reflect on their faith and purpose. Just as Hebrews calls us to support one another and offer grace, your presence and encouragement can help ground them in their identity in Christ. This season, embrace the opportunity to nurture both their journey of independence and their rootedness in family and faith, creating a safe space for them to wrestle with their questions and dreams. May your love reflect Christ’s constant presence, helping them feel both anchored and free to grow.  

Prayer: Unchanging God, In the midst of a shifting world, you are our constant source of grace and truth. Thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ, who shows us how to live with love and purpose. Bless the college students returning home this season. Give them peace as they navigate the balance of independence and belonging, and wisdom to discern what is true and lasting. May their time at home be a season of renewal—renewed relationships, renewed faith, and renewed purpose. As they prepare to return to their studies, help them carry the light of your presence into the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we pray. Amen.

Action: Set aside time to reflect on the semester—what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and where you’ve struggled. Write down three ways you’ve seen God’s grace in your life during this season of change.