The Blog of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Daily life is often a journey of holding joy and pain together somehow—mourning sadnesses in the world, in our own lives, in the lives of our family and friends, even as we celebrate birthdays, job promotions, anniversaries, and new steps of faith.

2012 was no doubt full of both joy and sorrow for all of us, which the range of posts at our InterVarsity blog over the past year reflects. We’ve celebrated a student turning from witchcraft to follow Jesus, an InterVarsity alumnus winning the Boston Marathon, and meals shared with those different from us. We’ve also grieved the rampant sex-trafficking connected to the Super Bowl, political dissension, and the Newtown shootings.

Here’s a brief look back at our ten most-read posts for 2012.

10. Lisa Liou makes the case for commitment to your church for the long-haul—whether you’re single or married, a student or a grandparent. Boring sermons, it turns out, are no reason to jump ship.

9. Our interview with David Platt, author of Radical and Radical Together and Urbana 12 plenary speaker, rightfully generated quite a bit of excitement. And he didn’t disappoint. Watch (or rewatch) his powerful message to Urbana attendees.

8. We love God’s Word at InterVarsity, so it’s perhaps no surprise that our post on lectio divina was well-read. Stay tuned in January for more posts on practices that help open us to God and to his transforming work.

7. Apparently, ugly Christmas sweater parties are still a part of many people’s holiday celebrations. We attempted the largest one yet at Urbana 12, where at least a few people were not afraid to bare their snowmen and reindeer with pride.

6. A couple thousand of you apparently read, and then completely ignored, our advice about why you should not go to Urbana. We’re so glad you did both!

5. Laura Li’s thoughtful, honest reflection on singleness (and why it sometimes sucks) provided perspective, encouragement, and a sense of community for days when it feels like everyone else in the world is married or dating. You’re not alone!

4. Pornography continues to be a huge struggle for both men and women who follow Christ. But freedom in Christ is possible. Reread Grace’s no-holds-barred look at pornography, sin, and the power of Jesus to encourage your own heart or the heart of someone you know.

3. There were myths flying around about Urbana 12. We debunked those for you so that you wouldn’t embarrass yourself by asking Tom Lin which St. Louis hotel he stayed in as a student at Urbana 93 (you’re welcome). As for the expectations you went into Urbana with—well, we’re pretty sure God surpassed them all (yes? Leave us a comment so that we can compile them for an “8 Urbana Expectations Blown Out of the Water” post.).

2. Linsanity continues! Now playing for the Houston Rockets, InterVarsity alumnus Jeremy Lin continues to be a voice of truth in the NBA. Cheer him on this season.

1. InterVarsity helps students love the poor—but one student felt unprepared to do it on the ground once she graduated. We value feedback like hers because it helps us grow and learn as an organization, so that we can better equip students for God’s mission in the world. Do you have feedback for us? We’re still all ears.

Thanks for your partnership, thoughtful comments, and time. As we look back with both sadness and joy and reflect on it all through the insights we gained at Urbana 12, we look ahead to a new year with hope—hope not in circumstances or political leaders or celebrities, but hope in the One who gave up his life to make the dead and broken things in our world alive, to bring beauty from ashes, to bring love from hate and joy from sorrow and hope from despair.

Happy new year, indeed.

Lisa Rieck is a writer and copyeditor on InterVarsity’s communications team. She worked at InterVarsity Press for over nine years as a proofreader and Bible study editor (and, as it were, resident limerick-writer). She is continually inspired by the beauty of the sky and loves good conversation with family and friends over steaming-hot beverages.