by Andrew Beard | Dec 2, 2025 | Words from Pastor Andrew
This is the season of Advent. I know for most of us, we just think of it as Christmas, but Advent is a season of waiting, a season of preparation, where our hearts and minds lean into the need for our coming King. We anticipate His arrival just as our ancient brothers and sisters did 2,000 years ago.
And yes, this season means all the extra things: desserts, hot cocoa, calories, Christmas gatherings, presents, debt, Mariah Carey, and more… but also the onslaught of terrible Christmas movies.
I know some of you love these things… specifically my wife… but I cannot stand them. They are so bad.
by Andrew Beard | Dec 27, 2024 | Christmas, News, Words from Pastor Andrew
The weeks leading up to Christmas I had lists of things to get accomplished, presents to buy and wrap, and details to finalize. As with most things, I found most of the presents I needed to get, I got some that I didn’t anticipate buying, and wrapping and details adjusted because of the slight change. Funny enough, one of those things was a garlic peeler…have you seen these? I know, they may be really popular and we just stumbled across them, but they are amazing. Sarah had seen one on a cooking show and I randomly found one at a kitchen store. It wasn’t on her list…or really even mine to find, but I ran across this unanticipated kitchen tool, got it for Sarah and she was surprised about this great gift! Sometimes unanticipated things that require slight changes or adjustments end up being a surprising blessing.
All of us have experienced some change in plans and then needed to make adjustments.
by Andrew Beard | Dec 20, 2024 | Christmas, News, Words from Pastor Andrew
I know you have wish lists to fulfill, errands to run, details to finalize, and all the wrapping! So I have no interest in adding to your busyness, but I do want to make sure you have everything you need for Christmas Eve worship and the next few weeks at The Chapel. Read below to get the details and of course let us know if you have any questions.
by Andrew Beard | Dec 16, 2024 | Christmas, Words from Pastor Andrew
Five years ago this week, I ran my first marathon. I’ve shared before how I’m built with short, stocky legs and a stout body—not exactly a runner’s physique, less like a gazelle galloping through the woods and more like a pig on a treadmill.
Nonetheless, I completed my first marathon, which, to this day, remains the only marathon I’ve run.
The Dallas Marathon is generally a great experience. It usually enjoys favorable weather, has very few hills, and runs through beautiful neighborhoods, starting and ending downtown. The halfway mark wraps around White Rock Lake, which evokes a love/hate response among runners. The crowds have cleared out, it’s lonely, and you’re the at the furthest point out in the race.
Right after you curve around the lake, there’s a slight elevation that provides a clear view of downtown Dallas—13.1 miles away…and you have to run to get there.
For me, in that moment, in the middle of the race, I thought to myself,
“Maybe I could just collapse, and they’d carry me across the finish line. But would I still get the medal?”
by Andrew Beard | Dec 8, 2024 | Christmas, Words from Pastor Andrew
This time of year we are staying up late regularly. Whether it is watching Christmas movies or football games…
