Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
Christians have marked the passage of time through this season of Advent by lighting candles in a wreath. It serves as a means of being present to this season of anticipation.
In my house, like many others, the Thanksgiving weekend is the time when we turn to the next season. Which I continuously struggle to remind others is Advent and not Christmas. This is an annual tradition. As is calling me Scrooge. And my “losing” the “debate.”
Regardless, the holiday weekend serves as a distinct turning point. And we turn our own attention in a new direction. Often to shopping lists and end-of-year obligations. But also to the moment, to the people, to nostalgia, to the future.
The first two candles, representing the first two weeks of Advent, are often described as symbolizing Hope and Peace respectively. And for those following the lectionary, we are invited to see everything through a gospel lens. That this is Good News. That we can hope in the transformation of the world, to the coming justice we long for. And we can believe in the power of peace, as people called to make peace.
In this season of lengthening nights, we are reminded that the light is coming. That this is the point of our hope and the need for peace. That this is the work we do in every age, including the present.
With love,
Drew+
