T'was the day before Christmas, and all through the house
Many a creature was stirring, even the mouse
The jobs were all done in a hurry, but also with care
In the hope that some peace soon would be there
In the evening, with all now safely snug in their beds
As hopes for some joy and wonder danced in their heads.

On this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, we decided to keep it simple. Petra's guest this episode is one of our favourite reverends, Spanky Moore. He very graciously shares about what his year has been like, and how in the midst of it all he has still been able to find moments of wonder, joy, and peace. Whether you hear this episode on Christmas Eve or come to it in the new year, we hope that it might inspire some ways for you to find the wonder and joy present in your life as it is.

All of us on the Sunday Sanctuary team would like to say a massive kia ora to everyone who has listened this year! We put a lot of love into this show and we love to hear about what it means to you. If you'd like to tell us about what part Sunday Sanctuary has played in your life this last year and/or what parts of the show you like best, we'd be very thankful. Feel free to message us on Instagram, we're @sundaysanctuarynz. Your thoughts will come in really handy as we talk about what Sunday Sanctuary looks like in 2024.

Mā te wā,

Petra, Steph, Josh, and Sam

Awe

The moment of awe in this episode was inspired by this article from Sports History Weekly. There is also a documentary on the Lithuanian basketball team called The Other Dream Team, released in 2012. 

Sacred texts:

The book of John, chapter 1, verses 1 - 5

Rev. Spanky Moore referenced quotes from two rabbis:
1) "Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and he gave it to me." - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, from his book I Asked for Wonder: A Spiritual Anthology

2) "Some years back I hit a skid in my personal life. Though I knew objectively that I had much to be grateful for, it was hard to acknowledge a sense of gratitude. It was difficult to notice the positive that was out there beyond the slog of getting through every day. But now and then, I’d feel the impulse to take out my phone and capture a slice of beauty. These fleeting glimpses of splendor broke through my horizon of pain and lifted me up…." - Rabbi Hara Person, from a meditation written for The Center for Action and Contemplation

One final thing. If you're needing a playlist of Christmas music, we've put together A Sunday Sanctuary Christmas on Spotify. Enjoy!