Last-minute updates from Copenhagen are arriving on my Blackberry in these minutes leading up to the official opening of the Fifteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15).

This morning I spoke with both my 91-year-old Father-in-Law and my Mom, who’s of the same generation (haven’t asked permission to publish her age!). Both had great questions and suggestions about the UN Climate Change talks.

We began Advent last Sunday with a focus on hope. As you and I have prayerfully prepared for the United Nations Climate Change talks over the days since, I've found it inspiring to see so many examples of people choosing hope over despair.

I’ve been out of the country this week fulfilling a leadership commitment to the North American Ecumenical Stewardship Center, made long before becoming Moderator. It sometimes seems easier to get a perspective on Canada from a distance, and at table with those of other nations.