St. Nicholas saw his resources as a gift from God to be shared with the poor and marginalized; Santa Claus encourages us to focus on gifting primarily to our loved ones and friends.

We may never know the full outcomes of timely generous acts, but sometimes we are privileged enough to see ripples of their astonishing consequences.

For many, developing a daily practice of gratitude, deepening our practice of meditative prayer, or seeking the comfort and guidance of friends can all move us toward greater hope.

Will we make the easy choice when we know a harder one would be the correct course of action?

“Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping…”

Families and communities grow best into a profound generosity of spirit when wisdom is lovingly and open-handedly shared and received by all.

Are we advocates, speaking up for the equal rights and treatment of others, or do we preserve our comfort to avoid awkwardness, in the name of politeness?

“No one gets to heaven without a reference from the poor.”

What good is it…. if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?

If we must go through this crisis, we ought not to waste the possibilities it presents.

We are in the midst of turbulent and unpredictable times. It is uncharted territory. How do we act? What do we believe?

Our blessings are never intended for ourselves alone.

If we find ourselves blessed with health, loved ones, resources, and community, one thing we get to do is care for others who have needs in these areas.

I have learnt to be content with mystery; to live in the places that are foggy and undefined – joining those baffled and confused ones.

God knows what we could be like and what we could do when sacrificial loving offers both “heart and inspiration” into our daily lives.

This experience made me ask a question that haunts all of us, and pastors most of all: What will the preacher at my funeral say?