A Communal Invitation for Advent: Partnering with the Light | by David Ruis
The season of Advent is known as "the season of light."
Waiting. Anticipating. Longing.
Each candle - lit and burning
A prophetic statement that the light has come - is coming
That this is not the end though the road seems dark
Like signal fires blazing a path through the night to guide and to instill hope
We are a beacon to all those who are
Waiting. Anticipating. Longing.
That they are invited
here - with us - now
To wait with us
To journey with us
Into the way of Jesus
The eternal path - to eternal life and light
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For centuries leaving the light on
a light in the window - a candle burning
has been used as a sign of hospitality
A beacon of welcome
A sign that someone is home
waiting for your arrival
Not only for friends and weary travelers
but for those needing refuge.
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In Christian tradition and history this practice
has been intertwined with the call to hospitality
the welcoming of the stranger
"You can find help here
Hope here
Healing here
Refuge, Safety, Peace.
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Questions for Contemplation:
ponder for a moment the sensation(s) that light evokes in you
can you perceive any way that your experience of light parallels the presence and place of Jesus in your life?
think of ways you may be able to be a light to others
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Optional Creative Exercise:
This Advent, consider joining with the ancient tradition of placing a candle in the window of your home, workplace, or church.
This could be a real candle or oil lamp, a battery operated light, or even a piece of paper taped to the window.
Let it be an outward symbol of our inward posture towards hospitality and welcome.
Each day, as you light your candle, or gaze upon it in your window, pray for God to shine his light through your life into your environment, bringing warmth, hope, light and life.
Here are some images from Pinterest for inspiration.