I am having trouble
adjusting to the fact that it is dark as night by 4:30 in the
afternoon these days. Thinking about it I realize of course that
these are the shortest days of the year and that the shortest days of
the year are the days of Advent which some would argue are the among
the most hopeful days of the Christian story told in the cycle of a
year. These are the days of waiting and expectation for the wonder
that is Christmas, the promise of something completely different for
our world, the coming of the light. Perhaps it makes sense that the
darkest time of the year is the time of hope. Certainly we can see
the contrast between light and darkness. We can also appreciate the
light. That is why I love the tradition of lighting candles in
Advent. We are lighting candles in the darkness as we wait for the
light to come. The lighting of candles in the dark is a precious
metaphor for the Christian life. We can be a light in the darkness.
Someone once said that they would rather light a candle against the
night no matter how small and flickering than to curse the darkness.
We are faced in these days with the choice of cursing the darkness,
the clouds of anxiety and bad news that seem to have shrouded our
world in permanent despair and fear or to light a candle against the
despair and fear with acts of love and mercy, thoughts of kindness
and hope. Joanna Adams, a pastor in Atlanta recently told this story:
During the colonial period in American
history, an eclipse of the sun caught members of a New England state
legislature off guard. In the midst of general panic a motion was
made to adjourn but one of the legislators stood up and said, “Mr.
Speaker, if it is the end of the world and we adjourn, we shall
appear to be fools. If it is the end of the world, I choose to be
found doing my duty. I move you, sir, let candles be brought.”
And so, good sisters
and brothers, bring on the Advent candles. It’s getting dark but
love and hope can light our way. Larry
I know
that I have life
only
insofar as I have love.
I have no
love
except it
come from Thee.
Help me,
please, to carry
this
candle against the wind.
-Wendell
Berry
