This is the time for "finding our lanterns". Some of us know how to light our way. Some of us find it on the way and in turn, help our neighbors find their way. Some go through advent feeling a little lost the whole time.
Maybe we can try "holding a candle" to help each other along---through tangible gifts and also through a sincere smile, a warm greeting, the gift of time, the responsible act, the peace-making gesture...
This is the time of "new starts", of freshening ourselves for the year ahead. This is the time to quiet our minds and hearts and to look inside ourselves to figure out who we really want to be. And this is the time to practice being how we want to be.
We at Central United Methodist have been reflecting on the traditional prayer of St. Francis that pretty much says it all.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
when there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal life.
Yes, this is a time of preparation. We sing this line from a simple hymn…
Lord, prepare me to be a living sanctuary...
