A Guest Post From My Dear Friend, April: A sneak peek into her free Christmas devotional series coming in December!

April and I became fast friends when we both were living in the Chapel Hill area several years back. We would meet together and pray, laugh, and talk about deep heart things. I would always look for her at church. You see, April has a special gift -- she sees people. Like, really sees them. And after you spend (umm, I don't know), maybe 30 seconds around her, you're lifted by her sunshine. That's how I would describe April: upbeat, beaming sunshine (with lots of good energy) who isn't afraid of getting in the mud with you. She's brave, real, and talking about hard things doesn't scare her. She is honest, and she loves Jesus deeply. What I am trying to say is this: You'll be blessed by her friendship too. She introduces herself a bit more just below, but I had to say a quick word about this dear friend, whom I feel so blessed to call mine. Also, if you are reading this, April, I'm still mad at you for moving to Charleston ;) Without further ado, meet April!

Hi friend, I’m April. If we were sitting together over coffee right now, I am confident we would be gushing over our friend Catherine and what a gift she is. Her November devotionals have steadied so many hearts this season, helping us stay grounded and grateful in a world that often feels chaotic. It has been a joy to walk alongside her in that.

As we step into December, we wanted to continue that same posture of stillness and intentionality as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. At the end of the month, I will be sharing a short Advent series built around four women whose stories lead us toward the manger: Eve, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Each devotional begins with a brief creative imagining rooted in their lives, offering a gentle way to enter the season with wonder and reflection.

Each devotional will connect to one of the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. They are simple, gentle invitations to slow down and remember the God who keeps His promises and comes close in every season.

I am also grateful to share artwork for this series from a dear friend in Guatemala (family pictured below). She and her husband lead a beautiful ministry that brings together art and physical therapy, offering dignity, healing, and hope to children and adults with physical and mental needs in their community. Their work is a living picture of the gospel, and you can read more about their ministry at cornerstoneinternational.org/chan.

Catherine and I wanted to give you a quick sneak peek at the first devotional so you can get a sense of how they will flow. Each entry offers a short narrative glimpse into the perspective of the woman we are focusing on, followed by a brief reflection on Scripture and a few simple questions to help you ponder and pray.

You can read more of April's writing at https://www.aprilmariesawyer.com/