In the Christian church year, the season of Advent begins the first week of December. We light a symbolic candle of Hope that first Sunday.
In today’s world we need Hope. The daily news is full of war, murder, hunger and more.
In Advent, we Christians begin again the story of Jesus’ life. Born over 2000 years ago, Jesus, whether or not we believe he was God with us, brought and lived such a startling and radical message of love and forgiveness that he was crucified as a traitor to Rome. His message was simple. First, all people are God’s beloved children. We are all family. Second, God’s forgiveness is always there, waiting for us to receive it. Third, we are called to follow and live his “Way” of love and forgiveness for all people.
We light this Hope candle because we believe that love and forgiveness bring light into the darkness of this world. And there is light. I see it every day. Although seldom newsworthy, nevertheless, these lights are there. They shine from the store clerk’s eyes when we actually stop and tell them, “Thank you. You’ve done a good job.” Light shone in my heart yesterday when I was shopping. A mom and teenager walking ahead of me, without asking, held both heavy mall doors open for me as I walked through with my cane.
The light of love can be a casserole shared with a sick friend, the joy of a family gathering, the satisfaction of a job well done. Light is created every time we remember that every person has value. The homeless people standing on our street corners have names and feelings. They may lack a fixed address, but they are still our neighbours. The light of God’s love shines brightly every time someone experiences kindness and love, caring and valuing.
My friend, Nancy, always hated shopping. Now, she finds delight in Thrift stores, discovering T-shirts, sweaters and more, in good condition, sometimes even new. She spends twenty dollars here, forty there, and brings her treasures home, washes and even irons them. They’re not for herself or her family. She brings them to her United Church in Kahnawake. Members there pack up her purchases and send them to Canada’s north for children who really need them.
Her efforts will never make the evening news. But they bring joy to her, to the
children she will never meet, and to me, as I hear her talk of her treasures. Her light shines brightly, and she’s not unusual. There are people everywhere doing wonderful things for others.
This year, as we prepare for Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, let’s remember and give thanks for all of us who make kindness a goal every day. The light of love can shine across our world when we contribute to it. That is our hope. That is our faith.
Today’s Faith by Rev. Janet Stobie