The Second Sunday of Advent

The Advent Wreath

Which happens to also be the first night of Hanukkah!
So much light in the world this week, in spite of the darkness that is trying to snuff out that light.

This week, even though we have heard news of evil deeds, I have seen acts of compassion and kindness right here in our own home town that give me hope.  Indeed, such things go on all the time, but the world only seems to note the devastating and evil things, never the hopeful things.

Perhaps, in this season of anticipation and the growing of light, we SHOULD focus on the good things in people, and ignore those who would seek attention by their evil acts.  We should avoid lashing out in anger, and rather gather ourselves in love, because love is far stronger than anger, or hate.

Father Tim Sean Youmans, who serves in our parish at St. Paul's, and teaches at Cassidy School, preached a very good sermon this morning.  He talked about the four basic groups that Jews were divided into at the time Jesus started His ministry, and how some of the more extreme ones actually hated the others.  Then, he pointed out how Jesus gathered His twelve disciples from ALL those groups, and got them to work together.  Even then, we were being taught that we ALL need each other, and we ALL have to work together for the good of everyone.  (For God's kingdom is all about love, and using it to overcome fear, anger, and hate.)

It is very difficult to remember love when you are hurt, shocked, and angry.  VERY difficult.  But Love is the Light that we are seeking in this dark time, Love is the Light we are anticipating, the miracle that gives us hope.  We must, in this dark, cold, season, cling to that light, keep it burning in our hearts, and warm others with its warmth, and shed the light on the way for all.