Joseph probably had the dream for his life all mapped out: marriage to Mary, a family, a trade, to be a righteous follower of the Law, to grow old in peace and quiet. But when his dream changed, when all of his preconceived plans were turned on their head, it was his faith that allowed him to accept God's plan for him in place of that for which he had hoped. It is the moments when we have to let go of our dreams and plans and be ready to see God's hand in our lives, that are the most transformational. Knowing that God has promised to restore all things, we can trust that He will bring something life-changing and we will be closer to Him for it.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 7:10-16 and Romans 1:1-7. The Gospel reference is Matthew 1:18-25.

As Christmas draws nearer it's often easy to get caught up in all the celebration and forget the real reason we mark this time, the birth of Our Lord. In our excitement for Christ's coming let us not lose sight of the daily tasks that are part of cultivating Christian life. We do long for the coming of God's Kingdom, but there are endless opportunities to practice for it all around us. Be patient for the arrival of the Kingdom, and also with ourselves and each other.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 35:1-10 and James 5:7-10. The Gospel reference is Matthew 11:2-11.

Advent is the season of hope. Many things in our lives and in the world may lead us to doubt or despair, so we must always remember the essence of Advent: God becoming flesh to dwell among us, and His ongoing works of healing. We must not lose sight of the spirit of possibility, for with Christ all things are possible, even the healing of the divisions of this world. We are called to be prophets of hope in this world, to seek and serve Christ in one another and in everyone we meet.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72, and Romans 15:4-13. The Gospel reference is Matthew 3:1-12.

In Matthew's Gospel we are told that since the time of Christ's return is unknown we must always be ready, but what does that mean, "ready"? In our busy lives, how should we prepare? Being ready is about doing the things that are essential, not doing everything; not doing more things, but the right things, separating the vital from the trivial. These may include being part of regular worship, setting time aside for prayer and reflection, seeking instruction, giving of ourselves to the world around us. In its simplest form, it is what Jesus told us, "love God with all our heart and soul and mind, and love our neighbor as ourself". When we know our priorities and pursue them, then we are truly living a life of readiness.

The Gospel reference is Matthew 24:36-44.

In our daily life we find innumerable fences that serve to separate us from each other and from the love of God. Race, political beliefs, personal opinions or prejudices can all act as wedges that keep us from truly knowing each other and learning all that we actually share in common. Even if we don't condone or didn't create the division, we can and must cross these spiritual fences to stand alongside each other in the belief that something good and redemptive will result. Just as Christ crossed that seemingly impenetrable barrier to stand with us his children, so as Christ in the world we are called to do likewise.

The Gospel reference is Luke 23:33-43.

As we gather to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Baptism, we are reminded of our own baptisms and the vows taken by us or on our behalf in the baptismal covenant. The breath of the Holy Spirit that enters us at that moment will help us to think, feel, and see the world as children of God. As God's children we then have Jesus as our brother and all those who share that baptism as our siblings, our family; family related by more than blood. We share our lives as members of the family of God, and as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Scripture references are Ezekiel 36:24-28, Psalm 84:1-6,10-12, and Romans 8:14-17. The Gospel reference is John 3:1-6.

As we study the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded time and again of stewardship as the best use of all our resources - our time, our talents, and our treasure - and a very practical way in which the Kingdom of God becomes a reality on earth. In the generosity of giving of our resources, our skills, and our possessions to the fullest extent we can, both rich and poor alike can effect real change in our Christian community, our city, and our nation. By this commitment to stewardship in common the looming, seemingly impossible problems we face become manageable and we draw closer to God and to one another.

The Scripture references are Job 19:23-27a, Psalm 17:1-9, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,3-17. The Gospel reference is Luke 20:27-38.

As we celebrate All Saints' Day, Vicki Garvey shares with us how often those we think we know are often "saints in costume". Many times our perceptions of others are not accurate; we all have many layers that make us up. When we try to describe others, or ourselves, by a single label - by looks, by language, by beliefs - we will fail to see the many gifts that reside inside us all.

The Gospel reference is Luke 19:1-10.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows how easily we fall into the trap of seeking validation by comparing ourselves to others. Rather thanking God for those things we have accomplished ourselves and looking for justification in them, look for God's goodness all around us, in those we meet, and in ourselves.

The Gospel reference is Luke 18:9-14.

When we look at the world around us it's easy to wonder of our prayers matter, or if they are even heard. In the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, Jesus tells us that we are to be like the widow in our prayers; fervent and steadfast, not in the assumption that they will be answered, but in the faith and knowledge that what we pray for is true and right and just. Pray in the direction that our hearts lead us, to the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth.

The Scripture references are Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121, and 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. The Gospel reference is Luke 18:1-8.