We make our wish lists, all of these things we “need” in order to feel the peace we want. But perhaps, as the story of Christmas tells, this peace will come in the most unexpected and unforeseen of ways.

What do the words “Ite, missa est” mean? And why are they so important for us?

Pentecost is the culmination and the beginning. We are sent. We have a mission. And it is not optional.

The New Year is always a time for looking back and looking forward. Asking, “Where were you? Where are you now? And where are you going?” But sometimes we respond with three questions: “Where am I? How did I get here? And how do I get on the right path?”

Do we shout, “Long live Christ the King!” Or do we shout, “I do not want this man as my king!” The Christian claim is that it is only Christ who is able to bring the peace that we so desperately long for in our lives, in our families, in our communities, in our country, and in our world.