Candles

Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2024

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Candles

God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory.

I’m getting caught up on the daily scenes in our Paris Advent Calendar, and I think we’ll light an Advent candle today in our apartment and set it in a makeshift Advent wreath. The candle might have to be red or green, rather than the traditional purple, unless I find a religious supply store that’s open on Sunday.

The tradition of these wreaths is Lutheran, going back to a German minister named Johann Hinrich in 1839. He placed 20 small red candles and four large candles instead a cartwheel. The red candles were lit on weekdays and the white ones on Sunday. Eventually evergreens replaced the wooden wheel.

Every year I appreciate the stillness of our lives during these four weeks before Christmas, but the truth is that the stillness doesn’t just happen. We have an Empty Nesters’ Christmas party tonight. Last night Andi and Aki went to Andi’s faculty party, while we spent the night with Miles and Jasper, setting up their tent, eating popcorn, watching the fire. Our kids have parties to attend separately, and together. Our grandkids have parties too. Saturday morning there was a neighborhood parade. Next Saturday we’re going to a Christmas parade and light show with our friends Mike and Diane, along with the boys.

Tomorrow morning is the first of four visits to chapel at their school, singing Christmas songs and (on the last day) watching the teachers decorate themselves and dance around on stage. A couple years ago Andi won the best Christmas sweater prize, and I wonder what she’ll create this year.

 

 

But in the meantime we can find moments to be still during Advent, and listen to the world outside, listen for birds and friendly dogs and neighbors who often say hello. Our apartment management office is decorated for Christmas and snacks abound. Ashley and Briana both love holidays.

Suddenly I notice that even when I think about the quiet, I remember more and more parts of our lives that aren’t quiet at all. How do you handle this puzzle?

I’m learning to nourish internal quiet, but still a large part of my energy is dedicated to movement and growth, accomplishment and plans. There is just so much to do, and so much more I want to do. When I take deep breaths and count them I often lose track within seconds, because my mind is running loose and I can’t quite catch up. This doesn’t exactly bother me. I don’t worry about it.

But still.

When the Lord brought back captives we were like men dreaming. Our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

I can close my eyes and see a drooping canopy of unfinished business hanging over me, but that’s not all I see.

The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love may increase more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Think of Zechariah, a priest and Pharisee in his quiet village, suddenly visited by the angel. Struck dumb in the face of God’s promises, he opened his mouth months later and proclaimed his new son’s name. His name is John!

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths, and every valley shall be filled. Every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight.

This is not just geography. It’s God’s message to our souls. Hang in there. Light the purple candle. Look up.

All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

 (Baruch 5, Psalm 126, Philippians 1, Luke 3)

(posted at www.davesandel.net)

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