“Time To Change Directions" Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. During Advent, we will benefit by reading scripture, (especially chapters of the Gospels) by meditating on Advent themes, by praying...and by keeping excess commercialism of the season in proper perspective. We are called to repent -at this time, especially, if we are properly to ready our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The real meaning of repentance is to turn, to get a new perspective on life. God calls us to forsake the old way of life that centers in ourselves and our wants and desires, and to adopt a new life that centers in Christ, in his love and grace. |
“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
We light this candle as a symbol of Jesus Christ our Hope.
May the light sent from God shine in the darkness to show us the way of salvation.
O come, O come Emmanuel.