One candle is lit…..
For the hope of the age.
For the reign of God’s peace.
For the joy of these days.
For God’s loving surprise.
For the Christ birthday here.
One Candle is Lit
-Hymn # 128 in Chalice Hymnal
As we dive into this Christmas season, there will be much to do; as our Elder Barbara reminded us
this past Sunday during her invitation to communion, as the season approaches and the end of the year is
near. Each of us is working to finish up school or work projects, getting holiday cards mailed out, shopping
for presents and Christmas dinner, buying and wrapping presents, attending holiday parties, and holiday
baking to be done.
This time of year can be a time of celebration for some with a recent promotion at work, new babies
added to the family, wedding celebrations, long awaited for retirement, good health, and family and friends
to gather around the table to share a meal. While others will not be up for all the festiveness following a
challenging year – loss of a loved one, more bills than money, health concerns. So, to put on a forced smile
and do all the “things” seems overwhelming and quite exhausting to some. When life gets all “lifey” as one
of my fellow seminarians refers to it, it is just too much.
Each day I read a little flip calendar while I get ready in the morning and today’s reading said,
“There are two ways of spreading the light: to be a candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Maybe you feel as
though you are stumbling in the darkness and that the season is just too much. I find rest and reassurance
that I need not be the candle all the time and that to be a reflection of the light is equally important in this
world. So as life gets “lifey,” rest in the light however it may appear for you and through you.
This is but a season – peaceful or chaotic. So, as the Advent season rolls in, may you take time to
reflect upon the reason for this season. May you find rest in knowing that the Light shines for you no matter
what whirls around you. May you find peace, comfort, and joy as we lit a candle each week as we prepare
our minds, hearts, and spirits for the coming of a child who shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Shalom,
Pastor Heidi