As the season of Advent begins, we light the candles of the Advent wreath, signifying the coming of Christ Jesus, the Light of the World. This is one way God is with us—as the light no darkness can overcome. Indeed the Psalmist sang: “For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”

This is a time of deep darkness in our world, a world torn by violence, grief, and fear. God is with us. God’s light is given, that we might become people of the light, people who travel together in the light toward the light who is God. How we need God’s light to come to us and transform us from within, that
we might be light-bearers who witness to hope and peace.

Amidst all the busy-ness of the season, I encourage you to nurture your soul. Ponder the Advent devotionals. I invite you into some moments of prayer, silence, worship, fellowship, and giving—the spiritual practices that form us from the inside out into those who live with the deep assurance that God is indeed with us.

May the light of Christ shine in you.