The search was exciting, difficult, and sometimes a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was.

No matter how long I follow Jesus in this world, there is always a part of me that feels a sense of discontentment. Always.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We light the candle representing love. The love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) is a lofty, impossible challenge to fulfill without the enabling of the God who is love.

Nobody would call Joseph the “father of God.” Obviously. That would be blasphemy. But I still think about Joseph.

MDS plans to be in Cape Breton until mid-December; more volunteers are needed, especially roofers. People who want to volunteer can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1-866-261-1274.

I seasonally forget how much time a garden harvest demands from me every summer. Preserving vegetables, making jam, searching for ways to use zucchini. My garden yields enjoyment, but confiscates time.

Chickens are one option that Canadians may choose to give to people around the world this Christmas by purchasing them from MCC’s Christmas Giving guide. Canadians who buy chickens—$13 buys enough for two families—will have their gifts doubled, up to $33,000 by generous donors.

Advent reading for the second week: lighting the candle of peace.

Let It Be So includes the titles “Emmanuel Has Come,” “What a Surprise,” “Hush,” “Advent Song,” as well as its title track. With piano as the primary accompaniment, but with options for additional instrumentation, several of these songs could be utilized as features for a church Christmas presentation.

Answers for the Christmas crossword on page 16 of the Nov/Dec 2022 issue.

Advent reading for the first week: lighting the candle of hope.

After being challenged by a friend who was a new believer to read the Gospels, Reza concluded that if he was questioning the Koran, he should do the same for the Gospels—also “one of those religious books that is probably full of lies.”