"The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16
Lighting candles is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. It brings up memories from all of the places I have celebrated Christmas. I have lit candles in 8 states now, and the light of the candle brings back memories of the warmth and music in each of those services. This month we have been lighting candles in many different services.
This week, we lit candles on Tuesday evening in recognition of Human Rights Day. That service was hosted by FPC Pride, and we learned a lot about the International Agreement signed by the United Nations in 1948. We committed to upholding important human rights and we lit candles in memory of those who live in fear or suffering in our world today. This connected for me the memory of lights I have lit in memory of those I've lost with the light of Christ we kindle on Christmas Eve.
Next week we will offer a Blue Christmas Candlelight Service, Wednesday, December 18th at 5:30pm. This Advent tradition makes space for a somber celebration of God’s gift of love. On the longest nights of the year, people gather together for warmth and light, and they pray for peace in their hearts and in the world. We will offer our losses in prayer as swaddling cloths for the savior and take comfort during our waiting for Jesus to come. Poetry and music will carry our prayers to God, the creator of the universe, maker of all that is seen and unseen.
May the Light of Christ bring hope and joy for you in this dark season, and may the Holy Spirit make space for you to celebrate and remember in your own way this Christmas!
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