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I am truly grateful for spiritual seasons like Advent that remind us to re-focus our attention on spiritual practices. With the world in so much turmoil, and the common distractions of the season so materialistic – Advent offers us a reminder of what Christmas is all about, and a way to shift our attention to re-kindling and sustaining the light within – so that we may be a light unto the world.
The Advent wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
The candles also have their own special significance (though the order differs slightly between denominations). The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, with one candle lit each Sunday. In our Unity tradition – the candles, in order, represent Hope and Faith, Peace, Love, and Joy.
While we celebrate the Light of the Christ being born (re-awakened) in the world 2000+ years ago – Advent helps us bring the meaning of Christmas into focus for our current world – seeking the new creation we are being invited to help birth right here and now.
Last week, Michelle spoke to the challenge of sustaining Hope and Faith in God’s ever-present goodness – and our capacity to express it in our lives, even as the world challenges us with seemingly endless and senseless violence and tragedy.
This week, as noted above, I will address the theme of Peace and
Justice; and follow that, on the third Sunday of Advent, with a lesson on “Who’s Our Neighbor?” – about expanding our capacity for Love in the face of growing divisiveness.
On December 18th, The fourth Sunday of advent, representing Joy, we will all rejoice in our Magical, Mystical, Metaphysical Christmas Story – preparing room in our hearts for the Christmas miracle - the Christ awakening within each of us once again.
And then, on the Winter Solstice, we will Celebrate the Light of ALL traditions as we embrace a New Story to find and define ourselves in with our annual Interfaith Candle-lighting service on December 21.
Our sanctuary will be transformed this Sunday – with our banners and poinsettias and Christmas tree – but it won’t be complete without you! So we hope to see you all as we prepare our hearts and minds for the transformation of Christmas.
Namaste,
Vicky
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