Joy and Light have been a theme in the previous weeks. this week, we welcome the joy and the light of the Christ Child into the world. May we step back from the crazy of Christmas as see God's presence in the fragile and vulnerable Christ Child.

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As we enter the 4th week of Advent and as we are in midst of Hannukah, light continuing to grow is a central them. With recent events like the shooting in Australia, we see darkness rear up, but we are reminded that light, although it starts small, grows as the flame is passed. The light grows through each act of hope, each act of love, each act of peace. May we be the light in the world and share that light with others.

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Advent is the first season of the liturgical year in the church. It is a time when we wait for the Christ child to be born again and we wait for Christ to come again. It is a time when we wait and we talk about where God is at work in us and around us. Waiting is not about sitting around doing nothing, it is about watching, being aware and ready to see the unexpected delights of God. What are you waiting for in this season of Advent? How can you be on the look out for God at work in you and around you?

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The Apostle Paul in writing to the young churches of the New Testament always expresses his gratitude for them. Amidst the conflict in the communities and the turmoil of Paul's life, he always gave thanks. Gratitude can steady us in stress and chaos. When anxiety wants to pull us away from what's good, practicing gratitude can help to quiet our fears. For what are you thankful?

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If you have been outside, you have noticed leaves everywhere. Bags of them on the side of the street, leaves still covering the lawn, and leaves lazily floating downward. They remind me of God's relentless grace. Leaves keep coming, like God's grace. Unearned, uncontrollable and endlessly abundant. As you look at the leaves, remember God's grace falls where it will and it is already on the way.

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Drawing from 2 Thessalonians 2 and Julian of Norwich’s assurance that “all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well,” this episode explores how faith can flourish in the cracks—where life is messy, uncertain, and still held by God.

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As the government shutdown continues and we are seeing food insecurity problems skyrocket with SNAP not being funded, how can we help? I think by and large people want to help and don't know how. For food insecurity issues right now, donate a few dollars when you buy groceries. See what they have - whether the Thanksgiving bags or donation bins. Talk to churches in your area as many who have been involved with local agencies and pantries are stepping up to make more donations. So find ways in which you can contribute. The world needs you.

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Minor Prophet Habakkuk laments to God and shares his frustration at the wickedness he sees around him. Feels familiar. God answers that if it seems like justice has not come, to wait, for it is coming. When there are destructive hurricanes, corruption, children going hungry, and all that we lament in our world, we can cry out and like Habakkuk who stands his post and keeps watch, we can engage in active waiting on God's justice. We can volunteer, we can sow seeds of kindness, we can continue to act with justice and mercy, and we can continue to cry out to God. So this week, don't just wait, but actively wait and work for God's unfolding justice is coming.

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