Light & Life

There's something about watching a candle.  It brings calm.  It invites contemplation.  It provides clarity.

Sunday, November 29, is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year.  It is the 'advent'ure of awaiting the coming of Christ.

This is also the Sunday that I've missed being present at church the most.  Was it the energy of a new season?  Was it the intensity of leading in an observance of Advent?  Was it the passion of the music?  Yes - to all three questions.  But, most of all, I missed watching a candle.

Many churches mark this season with the Advent wreath - four candles surrounding the Christ candle.  Sunday we would light the first candle.  Next Sunday we would light two candles and so on.  The Christ candle is reserved for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The beautiful part of the Advent wreath is that candles are named.  Many churches develop a theme allowing the candles to tell the theme's story.  For example, Isaiah 9:6 could be the central Scripture for the four weeks: His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Or, a traditional naming of the candles includes Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.  

The Center for Faith & Culture at Lindsey Wilson College will provide ideas in this space for thoughtful and meaningful Advent observances at home.  May we join together in lighting a single candle this evening in our homes?  Give your candle a name and contemplate why you chose that particular name.  Read Scripture.  Pray.

"Light and life to all He brings."  There's something about watching a candle.