Minister's Moment

Our theme for Advent through Epiphany this year is “What Do You Fear? Insisting on Hope this Advent.” It is all about how we respond to God’s reminder, “Do not be afraid,” even as there is so much to fear. One of the many things I enjoy as I make plans for worship is how we are called to add light each week to our worship space until, on Epiphany, we have more light than we can imagine.

Light is a major theme in our lives of faith – Jesus is the light of the world, don’t hide your light under a basket, etc. But, to me, light is even more important during this season.

Our days get shorter until the winter solstice on Dec. 21. Then, days get a little bit longer, and we welcome more and more light into the world. That means more than just longer days. It is our call to share our light and to bring the message of  “Do not be afraid.”

One of my favorite songs to listen to this time of year is “Light One Candle” by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. Though technically a Hanukkah song, the message has always been clear to me: We light candles ... we bring more light into the world ... as we remember the injustices of the past and how they were overcome; as we examine the present, and even as we cry, “How long, O God?” we use our voices for the voiceless and ask how we can make a difference.

As we add more light into the world this Advent, may the words of this song be our prayer.

Light one candle for the Maccabee children

Give thanks that their light didn't die

Light one candle for the pain they endured

When their right to exist was denied

Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice

Justice and freedom demand

And light one candle for the wisdom to know

When the peacemaker's time is at hand

Don't let the light go out!

It's lasted for so many years

Don't let the light go out!

Let it shine through our love and our tears

Light one candle for the strength that we need

To never become our own foe

And light one candle for those who are suff'ring

Pain we learned so long ago

Light one candle for all we believe in

Let anger not tear us apart!

Light one candle to bind us together

With peace as the song in our heart

Don't let the light go out!

It's lasted for so many years!

Don't let the light go out!

Let it shine through our love and our tears

What is the memory that's valued so highly

That we keep it alive in that flame?

What's the commitment to those who have died

When we cry out they've not died in vain

We have come this far, always believing

That justice will somehow prevail

This is the burning, this is the promise

And this is why we will not fail

Don't let the light go out!

It's lasted for so many years

Don't let the light go out!

Let it shine through our love and our tears

Don’t let the light go out! May God bless us all. Amen.

Love,

Ann