How were we going to commit ourselves to grow in faith? How were we going to deepen our relationships with God? How were we going to better engage in our faith community in 2019?

Only once in my life have I celebrated Christmas twice in the same season. It was 1991 and I had celebrated a traditional Christmas with family and friends in Georgia, but on New Year’s Eve I was headed to Russia where I would celebrate Christmas again on January 7th, the traditional Christmas Day on the Russian Orthodox Church calendar.

To put it simply: Joy is a gift shared. It is not kept to oneself.

Advent marks the beginning of the Church calendar and guides us into Christmas. But what is Advent and why do we celebrate hope during this week?

During this time of year, it’s easy for me to become a little apathetic when it comes to being grateful. I know it’s not what you expect from someone who works at a church. But do you know how to actually become more grateful?