Leaning Into Assurance

JANUARY 6, 2025

In 1874, Frances Ridley Havergal penned the hymn Another Year is Dawning. I grew up singing that hymn in my home church in Chicago on the first Sunday of each year. The verses of the hymn capture the turning of the calendar year, the joy of God’s presence with us, and exciting new possibilities for living.

As we enter 2025, we are keenly aware of the challenges facing our ever-divided nation. Concerns not only about the economy but worries about basic human rights and the unraveling of decades of social progress. For many, the potentially negative outcomes for already disenfranchised persons bring feelings of immense trepidation. The importance of educating pastoral and community leaders for the church and beyond in ways that foster commitments to social justice and a liberating impact is greatly needed. We need not only hope but assurance that we are stepping into a future where grace and the love of God abound.

I remain deeply grateful for McCormick Theological Seminary and our role in walking alongside those who co-create a just world. Our degree programs, certificate programs, initiatives, and community life move us far beyond a passive stance. We are actively participating in the manifestation of blessed assurance by our commitment to embodying the witness of Christ. Assurance comes as we galvanize our efforts in faith towards justice and as we exercise agency and a liberating consciousness. Our support for our students and alums is steadfast and we remain a haven for teaching and learning, theologizing, and situated practice without suppression. We hold on to the joy of Advent, the holiday season, and a happy new year as we gather!  

Another great hymn of the church says, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!” We hold fast to this confession with tenacity and resolve. What we do at McCormick matters and we are leaning with assurance into a vibrant and viable future where our glorious Creator meets us!

We will thrive, come what may, as we partner with the beloved community with freedom and compassion for humanity as our aim. You are invited to join us and remain connected as we envision and embody innovative ways of being a dynamic epicenter of theological education. Blessed assurance is our portion! Happy New Year!