For decades a sanctuary light has hung in Prince of Peace’s worship space. Given in loving memory of Viggo Mangodt, the candle elegantly reminds us that the light of Christ shines in the darkness and the darkness has not extinguished it. Light is held in universal reverence. For example, during my recent visit to Rome I learned of the Vestal Virgins and the unique and revered position that they held in their society. They were charged with caring for a sacred fire. This fire symbolized the eternal life of Rome and the divine protection of the city. The Vestal Virgins’ duty to keep the flame burning was seen as crucial to the stability and continuity of the Roman state. This year especially I have also noticed that exterior lights seem to be placed on homes earlier than ever. These early lights may express a yearning for the return of the light as the days grow shorter. We know at heart that we need the light. We reach for it like a tree stretching its branches to absorb the life-giving energy of the sun. These and countless other gestures proclaim the importance of maintaining light as a symbol of a sacred hope, especially during dark and cold times.

As we begin a new liturgical season with the First Sunday of Advent, we enter into the worship cycle that emphasizes the importance of light during a time when the sun’s rays are waning. We live in the hope of Jesus, practicing His peace as we share His love. We rejoice over His constant presence in our lives and the way that He is born among us to make all things new. Jesus embodies the call to continue lighting candles in the dark in the way we live our lives. The actions of good whether small or great keep those dark forces that would overwhelm us at a distance. Christ’s light truly shines in us and among us.

Christ’s loving presence enables us to grow in our awareness and appreciation for God’s constant care and steadfast love. By the time that Jesus birth is celebrated on December 25^th, a corner has already turned and the days once more are beginning to lengthen. Sometimes it’s more difficult to identity the subtle increases and changes, but the direction away from the dark is established. This is what Christ’s light does for us. Christ establishes a direction away from darkness where death no longer holds its tyrannical power over us. Please join us in these seasons celebrating the light of Christ in our lives at Prince of Peace this year. The more ways that we gather in Christian community, the more opportunities God is given to work on us with the true light of divine love.