by Joanie Butman
Today marks the first Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the Prophecy Candle (aka the Hope Candle), representing hope and anticipation for the only gift that can offer comfort in the face of suffering that seems to grow exponentially every day. It’s a glowing reminder of who wins in the end despite appearances to the contrary. In the midst of a global pandemic, political divisiveness and racial injustice, the world needs to be reassured that there is no person or circumstance beyond the redemptive power of Christ. I believe it’s more important than ever to celebrate the birth of the One who will eventually restore our broken lives and our broken world. It’s in His promises that our hope resides, which is what we embrace as we light the first candle of Advent.
In years past, today I would gently unpack our advent wreath and install it proudly in the center of the dinner table. It was an act of optimism because sadly, our familial experiences with the Advent wreath weren’t always promising or hopeful. Aside from the occasional flame mishaps, my beautiful porcelain nativity figurine candle holders were chipped and broken over the years during the sibling squabbles over whose turn it was to light the candle. This rivalry continued LONG after you’d expect children to age out of such behavior. By that time, the angels had been de-winged, Mary and Joseph were missing limbs, and one of the Wise Men was beheaded. I finally surrendered and decided it was causing more angst than blessings and left it in the closet. In hindsight, this was probably not my wisest parenting choice because it’s in the midst of conflict that we need the hope of Christmas to shine the brightest.
Therein lies the Advent message this week. We can choose to let conflict and fear reign in our lives or choose to turn in prayer to the only One who will eventually put all things right. For many of us it’s the only choice available. By choosing to lift up our healthcare workers, essential workers, and our leaders in prayer – for protection, wisdom and guidance – we keep the candle of hope burning brightly amidst the darkness. Personally, these are exactly the times when my faith in God’s providence becomes the lifeline I choose to cling to, allowing my soul to be comforted by trusting that God IS Enough – which enables me to be peaceful amidst chaos.
The advent wreath is long gone, but my husband lit his popular Christmas light display instead. It’s his way of infusing a little joy into our town. I noticed that many people started their Christmas decorating early this year, eager to embrace the hope and joy of the season after an embattled year of illness and political strife. May we all choose to let Christ’s light shine brightly for all to see – from an appropriate social distance of course.
A candle is a symbol,
it speaks of light, hope, warmth and love.
A candle is a sign,
it reminds us of the prayers of God’s people.