Life can get weary even though we know we are blessed in many ways by God. The same was true for the people in Habakkuk's time. In this time of Advent, we're encouraged to wait. God is about to do a miraculous thing that will usher in an era so wonderful that we'll devote all we have to it.

The story of swords being made into plowshares isn't just about peace, it is also about overcoming fear to find inner peace through faith in the Word of God.

Why was Abram chosen to become Abraham and the ancestor of many nations? What did he do that warranted that type of attention from God? In short -- NOTHING. Abraham didn't warrant God's blessing, and neither do we. This story is the beginning of God dealing differently with God's people. We are chosen by God to be blessed because we exist, and because God wants us to be blessed.

At first the story of the Flood and Promise can be interpreted as a simple, nostalgic children's story. However it is much more complex than that. Ultimately it is a story about God's love for the world, and how God chooses a better way (in the end) than returning violence with violence. That is our calling too.

Following Archbishop Michael Curry's sermon at the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan, it is time to speak the language of love, it is time to find the fire of passion for the gospel, it is time to call people to God's love for them.

Sometimes we just want to go somewhere where everyone knows our name -- where we're accepted for who we are (faults and all.) Church is to be that place -- for even if not everyone knows your name -- God does, and God accepts you just as you are. We might be as fortunate as Mary Magdalene to hear God speak our name -- or we might not. But be assured, God does know you, and loves you. Just as Mary was called to share her Good News with the disciples -- we are called to share God's work in our lives with those we know too.

Do we know that truth is? This is Google’s response to the search for “What is truth?” that I got earlier this week. It seems pretty simple doesn’t it? Truth is based in reality. We know what is true. The grass is green, the sky is blue, 1+1=2, I’m 49 years old: these are all considered “true” statements.…

What are you waiting for? In Advent we did a lot of waiting. I commented a few times on it. First, I don’t usually mind waiting (for people) — actually I mind it a lot less than being the one who is waited on. Second, at times I don’t wait well — particularly if I’m excited about a present, or a new…

We shouldn't be surprised that there are both angels and shepherds attending the birth of Jesus. Actually, there are angels and shepherds here tonight -- people who proclaim God's news and people who care for others. May we seek to do both and be blessed this Christmas.

Tonight we heard the story of the birth of Jesus which was witnessed by the angels and shepherds. We are the angels and shepherds today -- the ones who proclaim God's good news and care for others.