Advent is a time of waiting and watching for the coming of God – for the light to come into the world. We are called to let our lights shine and to be ambassadors of the Prince of Peace in our world.

When we finally come into God's presence in heaven, it will become apparent that Jesus was all around us during our lives. How will this change the way that we live today?

When we realize how fortunate we are to be living in this moment, all we need to do is return for a moment to give God thanks.

When we come together, we help bring the shalom that Jeremiah talked about to our neighbors, our community and beyond.

The pronouncement of Jesus that each one of us is loved, and that he extends a special blessing to those who are poor in spirit and struggling in other ways, is the basis for our life together.

By acknowledging where our possession ultimately come from, we ground ourselves in a more fundamental and existential view of life. It's a spiritual view of life. Giving to God means supporting the gospel that ensures, and our neighbors in need.

We will always face difficulties in life, but God's loving presence has the power to transform us, our relationships, our community and the world.

We can embrace common cause by making the mindset shift that Jesus did throughout his ministry: from religious and ideological purity and judgement to grace and compassionate relationship.

It's in the spirit of selflessness that Jesus changed history and created a new community, rooted in love and grace for each one of us.

We are to bring about Jubilee in the world around us because together we are the body of Christ, the kingdom of heaven, the children of God, and we are enough.