Advent 2024

I went to church yesterday morning.
It was the children’s Christmas Pageant Sunday complete with angels swooping up and down the aisle, a shy Joseph who knocked on all the right doors and a cacophony of animals disguised as young children. There was also the reading from the Bible and carols sung. Some which I knew and some which were new. All of what you would expect on an Advent Sunday morning.

But what touched me the most was the first thing I saw.
Words by Howard Thurman printed on the front of the bulletin.
I will light candles this Christmas.
Candles of joy despite all the sadness.
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage for fears ever present.
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days.
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire all my living.

I came home and lit a candle.