We can neither ignore it nor avoid it.

This Advent, many of our fellow church members will be suffering from "2020 Election Hangover" no matter who wins, and there's likely to be a fair amount of anger or grief on the BOTH sides as folks (both regular-attender members and twice-a-year members) file in for Advent worship.

Pastor and church consultant Cary Nieuwhof is one of my regular "online reads." His messages are super-sharp, insightful, and often insightful, too. 

In his article titled, 

4 SUGGESTIONS AFTER THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

he writes,

"Unquestionably, things will never quite be the same again."

And then he offers four suggestions that each of us, and congregations as a whole can do to continue being the church, rather than retreating into political factions. Very much worth reading and distilling for our members.

Pastor Nieuwhof has a lot of other great articles. This next one is also especially timely in this Pandemic + Election + Advent year as Christmas is a major public witness -- an opportunity to show the world (and your Uncle Bob) how Christians treat each other even if they disagree with each other.

WHEN CHRISTIANS LOSE THEIR MINDS, PEOPLE LOSE THEIR FAITH

Food for thought as we approach these milestones in this unusual and challenging year.