There is a familiar commercial for a credit card that asks the question, "What's in your wallet?" So, I am asking, "What's in your portfolio?" In terms of finances, my modest portfolio has been declining with the stock market. When the market goes down, so does my balance. When the market bounces back up, however, my balance still seems to stay down! I haven't quite figured that one out.

I want to focus on a different kind of portfolio, a different kind of wealth management. The Bible tells us that Jesus came so that we might have abundant life. The nature of this life is often compared to a treasure or valuable and precious stone. I am convinced that our life portfolio is much more important to the quality of our lives than the financial one - as precious as that seems to us. Were I your investment counselor, I would suggest you buy into four commodities.

Invest heavily in Hope. This commodity has show a remarkable track record of value retention especially when the markets of life are in crisis. Its primary value is faith which has consistently demonstrated an ability to make "things hoped for" and "things not seen" become present and tangible realities. Moses, Isaiah, and Jesus were three well-known investors who owned significant stock in Hope.

Another stock to have in your portfolio is Joy. There are lots of counterfeits of this commodity around and you don't want to get stuck with them. Do not be fooled by those who want you to invest in Don't Worry, Be Happy, Inc. They are really selling you swamp land in the region of De-Nile (or is that denial?). Insist on the real thing - authentic Joy. You can only get it through relationships: by building relationship with others and by getting to know yourself.

Love is the blue chip stock in anyone's portfolio. In fact, if you only invest in one thing in life, let it be love. Love only comes as a mutual fund, but it lends value to every other stock in that fund. Love is a hedge against fear and a positive pathway for passion. It gives you a reason to Hope and enables you to keep some Joy in your life. Love is the only way to Peace.

Peace is the final puzzle piece for anyone's life portfolio. You can invest directly in Peace stock, but shares of Peace actually accrue to your account when you become heavily invested in Hope, Joy, and Love. The true Peace dividend comes in the form of self-acceptance, connectedness in community, and in relationship with the divine. Peace is a mystical commodity that really does pass all our understanding!

So, how does your portfolio stand now? In this season of Advent, I hope you will invest heavily in Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace. They lead us to the manager of Bethlehem, beyond there to the cross of Calvary, and finally back to the crossroads of our own lives. The investments we make ultimately determine the quality of our experience of life each day. There is no better lens than the Advent themes of hope, joy, love, and peace for us to view the economic crisis, the global climate crisis, and the anxiety that seems to dog so many of us every day.

May the hope of this season, the joy of the Spirit's presence, the love of faithful community, and the peace of Christ fill your hearts and minds now and always.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.

--Jack Price