Creative Tension Karl Walenda, father of the famous family of tightrope walkers, once crossed over Niagara Falls. As he was about to go, he struck up a conversation with someone standing by to watch the feat. Karl turned to the person and asked: "Do you think that I can do it?" "Of course you can," came the reply. "You're Karl Walenda!" Karl responded, "Then if you really believe me, jump on my shoulders and go with me!" Here is the essence of belief: an active surrender. Using the popular "Bop It" game, and the attention needed to make high scores, Nick shares various ways in which tension can be creative. It was so for the Walendas and the tightrope! Bop It! Nicholas J. Connolly Pastor of First and Grace United Methodist Churches Kearny, New Jersey December 11, 2011 The Third Sunday in Advent Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4;8-11     John 1:6-8; 19-28 Meditation and First Reading 4:57 Gospel and Sermon. 17:57 Return to the Home Page of Grace Church