“The Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III died on March 5 at the age of 85. Well done, good and faithful servant. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. “

“…it’s not necessarily God who disappoints us. Our disillusionment often arises from the unrealistic expectations we project onto God; the prayers that don’t appear to be heard or answered, the tragic events we wish God would prevent. In times of disappointment, we need eyes of faith to perceive God’s presence and promise.”

“Whether you are beginning your Lenten journey in a time of hope or despair, of joy or sorrow, of healing or suffering, of wholeness or brokenness, remember this: God sits here — wherever “here” is right now — with you. And when your “here” changes, God will be there, too.”

“…It’s when we stop striving for perfection that we find what it is we’re truly looking for: grace, acceptance, joy and love. All of the gifts God promises us in Jesus. “

“In the letter of James in the New Testament we read, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) Too many people who call themselves Christians focus more on being “unstained” than on how they “care” for those society has left behind. Purity of belief is too often prioritized over purity of compassion.”

“…we could try something simple to strengthen our connections as a community. Find someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. ‘Hi, my name is John. I don’t think we’ve met.’ Then see where the conversation goes. In such small ways, Christian community begins to grow.”

“… where is my treasure? Answering this question will tell us if we are ready to say yes to Jesus. As he said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

“In these days that seems so dark, I think the spirit of history is still leading us and guiding us — I believe in that. Call it what you may, but I believe that somehow, in some way, good is going to prevail. And out of some of the darkest hours, there will be daybreak. There will be light. And we will get there. You have to believe it. You have to believe in your guts that it’s going to be OK.” - John Lewis

“All we really know when we enter a new year is that it won’t all be good or all bad, all happiness or all sorrow. Whatever happens, I hope you will continue to experience the wonder of Christmas. May your year will be filled with moments of joy, glimmers of light and love that endures.”

“…each year on December 26 or 28, I read Howard Thurman’s poem, The Work of Christmas, to remind myself what it is we Christians are called to do as followers of the Word made flesh.”

“As we transition from Advent to Christmas, let me share Schulte’s full poem. She doesn’t give into the romance of Christmas. Quite the opposite, through the experience of Mary she invites us to see the true miracle of God becoming one with us in Jesus.”

“…waiting in Advent becomes a microcosm of waiting in life. These days in December remind us that “every time is a time of waiting.” Waiting in Advent teaches us to practice patience, to make time to breathe, to accept occasional boredom as a gift, to find joy in our hope for the promise yet to be fulfilled. “

“Joy reminds. Not necessarily of better days, though this may be the case. Joy reminds us that, whatever we’re feeling today, in the past we have been loved and blessed by another. We have laughed and celebrated. We have experienced gladness and delight. These memories of past joy can, perhaps, spark joy in the present and give us hope for renewed joy in the future.”

“…we can reinterpret the story of Advent. It is not about power but about life, the divine life that flows from before time to the end of time. The divine life which was embodied in Jesus. The never-ending flow of grace, love and blessing which God offers us and all of creation.”

“What if we decide during the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons to practice “the noble art of leaving things undone”? What if we prioritize our list of tasks, focus on the most essential, and let go of everything else? Would we really lose anything? Might we instead gain something more important?”

“The many people of genuine humility I meet day in and day out, those who remind me that generalizations about society often don’t fit the particular people who walk through this life with me. Perhaps it’s one of the best arguments for the importance of participating in an authentically accepting and loving church community. A diverse faith community that cares for and about the world, encourages me to focus not solely on my life but on the lives of others. “

“Whether someone you love died recently or many years ago. Whether today you are anticipating the death of a loved one or you are feeling your own mortality. Look to the horizon. Set yourself intentionally in the liminal space which already flows around you. Remember that you and all those you love are linked forever by the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“…I found comfort in the reminder that in God there is plenteous redemption, that no matter how long the wait, God is always merciful.”

“This is joy. See it. Appreciate it. Be grateful for it. And then kiss it as it flies.”

“This is not an exhaustive list (of Podcast suggestions), but these are the ones to which I listen regularly. If you have podcasts to recommend, please let me know. I’m always looking for more.”