The
presence of the Advent Candles emphasizes the positive over the negative. St
Paul encourages us outrightly to cast
off deeds of darkness, and put on the armor of light. This light is accentuated
by candles, which in our liturgy are very prominent. From the Paschal candle,
to the candles on the altar, those carried by altar‑servers, those votive ones
lit by parishioners as a form of prayer, candles emphasize light over darkness.
And remember that it’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
And also you don’t have to blow someone’s candle out to make yours look
brighter.
The
custom of the Advent candles goes back to the Scandinavian countries who have
very long winters, with very little sunshine. So farmers bring in their farm
carts, and some of them started to decorate them with bows and greens, and
eventually candles. The church took the idea and developed the Advent Wreath
with 4 candles with a particular theme for each Sunday: Watch, Stay
Awake, on the first Sunday, Prepare the way of the Lord next
week, Rejoice on the third Sunday, using the rose‑colored
vestments, and Behold for the Sunday before Christmas.
Some churches even add a white one for Christmas and the theme Celebrate.
This
year, let’s make it a point to really try hard to MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS in our
hearts. To make room for Him, we have to get rid of all the stuff that’s been
taking his place. This requires a little bit of an inventory of our hearts and
lives.
So
may we look at enemies and see the possibility of friendship . . .
May
we look at fevered buying and see hope for simple generosity . . . . .
May
we look at family tensions and see opportunities for reconciliation . . . . .
May
we look at pessimism towards the future and see positive optimism . . . .
May
we look at stumbling blocks and see instead stepping stones . . . . .
May
we look at alleys and valleys of darkness and see instead Highways and byways
of bright possibilities . . .
May
we look at tragedy and misfortune and see the hope of change, growth and a new
beginning .. ..
May
we look at discouragement and see a determined and courageous approach to a
hopeful future . .
Happy
New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment