As we savor how Advent isn’t only a season confined to the four weeks
before Christmas Eve, we honor that active waiting is a faithful invitation
throughout the weeks of any given year; let’s focus on the candles that are lit
during Advent.
What does hope sound like, not just in December as we sing
about a Silent Night when all is calm, all is bright, but in summer with
the sun shining bright?
What does peace feel like right now? It might be the end of war, the ceasing of words
from people that cause hate and fear that keep your soul on high alert. How might peace be a flourishing that isn’t
just quiet but also joyful, as in Psalm 100?
Peace, or shalom, is the well-being of all creation.
What does joy taste like today? An ice cream cone, a sip of water, or
feasting on a conversation with a family member or friend?
How is God’s love showing up right here and now in your
life? When was the last time you knew
deep in your bones/soul that you are unconditionally and unceasingly loved? How did that moment leave a residual energy
fueling your life?
We light the candles during the dwindling daylight of December not just
to light the way into the next year, but also to shine a light on what is needed
to keep our faith growing and grounded.
What if hope, peace, joy, and love are not just words but active ways/ingredients
for each day? What if hope, peace, joy,
and love are like the sun warming the soil of your soul to activate and animate
your life? What if these are both gifts
from God each day (meaning every day is Christmas Day in God’s presence) and
practices to share with others? This
receiving and giving dance that we are all called to part-take as we move about
the day.
Where might hope led you and where might you share hope? Be specific. Where is peace welling up, and who might you drench with this gift from God? Where is joy and love joining hands to bless you and others throughout the day ~ both in ways you can plan and be surprised as well. God does surprise earth with heaven not just on one day in December, but every day we stay awake, alert, and aware of God’s presence in our lives. Amen.
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