Stacy Wood Rustrum

Stacy’s talk, “Bodies That Matter,” reflects on how every person lives in a body that changes and faces challenges, yet every body is still created in the image of God. Drawing from her work with disability cases and her own experiences with body image and aging, she highlights how cultural expectations can create shame around our bodies. She ultimately reminds the community that our worth is not defined by appearance or ability but by God’s love, and she calls the church to practice deeper compassion, inclusion, and acceptance of all bodies—including our own.

Love is complex, messy, and deeply transformative. Advent love invites us to see beyond sentimentality into action, reflecting the way God loved us first. The incarnation—God stepping into the brokenness of humanity—shows us love that doesn’t wait for perfection. Instead, it embraces, restores, and sacrifices. From loving difficult people to seeing worth in the marginalized, this love challenges us to reflect Jesus’ heart. Whether through small gestures or great sacrifices, how are you showing love that mirrors Christ? This Advent, don’t just observe love—live it, embody it, and let it change the world around you.