Growing up in a Christian home, my family celebrated the season of Advent – the four weeks before Christmas. I loved this time, not because I was waiting for my Christmas gifts, but because we got to light a candle every night during our family devotions. We would dim the lights, and my Mom or Dad would try to read from our devotional book. Each week we would light another candle on the wreath until Christmas Eve when the big Christ Candle would be added. Even with all the lights off in the room, it felt as bright as it did when all the lights were on.
In my curiosity, I looked up the word Advent: A coming into place, view, or being, arrival – onset, beginning, commencement, start – the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
My rabbit trail of thought then took me to the idea that each one of us in a place, with a specific view, that signifies the commencement of something that only we are designed to start. We are the candle that brings light into the darkness. As we connect with others who are also carrying light, we begin to change the environment around us. Yes, our little light is important, but like the time my family spent around that wreath enjoying the stories and basking in the light of the candles, we get strength from being together and sharing the Word of God. We grow in our impact on the world. We grow in our love and acceptance of others. We grow in faith. In those moments, when our light seems to flicker, there are others around to reignite us.
What if the blaze of our collective light is what it will take to ignite our community with the transformational love of Christ? What if I share my light with someone who doesn’t have it yet?
I want to see the whole wreath light up with the Christ candle in the middle, driving back the darkness, giving hope and joy to all who are touched by the glow. Do you?
Will you join me in finding one person this season with whom you can share the light of Christ?
Andrea
