My prayer is that during this season you too will resist “the empire’s attempt to accept its culture and beliefs.” Instead, as Edward Hays wrote, “take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.” Advent is a time to clear the way in our lives for God to come alive in our own lives. Of course, all of this is not just a seasonal activity, it is simply a special reminder of our call to live our lives with the expectation that God’s love will come alive in all we do.

So, as we move through this season of Advent, lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, feel these lights shining within you. And join with our church family in the journey of Advent. See you in church.

Grace and peace,

Herb