The candle of Joy

advent-80125_640.jpg

Why is it that when I entered the sanctuary today, a day of brilliant winter sun, the two candles of advent already burning seemed to shed the brightest light?  A light that seemed to increase as today’s candle of Joy was lit.

As Karen brought the thoughts and concerns that Joseph would have had to our minds, I wondered where he found light in the path that suddenly had come to him.  A visit from an angel—terrifying or reassuring? How did Joseph’s love for Mary change and grow with this unexpected responsibility and joy thrust upon them?

Today’s candle reminds us too that our advent journey is closer to the end than to the beginning.  We await the lighting of the candle of Love, and this year will almost immediately light our Christ candle.  And I anticipate the great light coming into our sanctuary and into our lives.

Billie S.