Tag Archives: grace

My memory is fresh about the second Sunday of Advent, 1969. A young pastor, I was serving my first solo church appointment. Our congregation had decorated the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas, including a Christmas tree standing between the pulpit and the first row of pews.

We too are held in the womb of God Gifted with the spark of life and held in compassionate care

My life, a doorway for grace Does goodness pass through?

It matters who sits in the seats of power, yes it does. And the man in the seat of authority for the Roman Catholic communion is a man of grace and compassion. We never expected a man like Pope Francis in our house.

In many ways, I view Epiphany as paramount in the Advent Season. This is the date when Jesus is recognized and heralded as King of the Jews through the actions and recognition of pagans.

Gratefulness is a life-changer. Literally. Those who hold an “attitude of gratitude” often have a higher quality of life, live longer, and share deeper relationships with others than those who don’t. As a wise six-year-old once said, “No one likes a grumpy face.”