Lights of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
Do you ever feel like God is trying to tell you something? I am having one of those moments. My last written devotion was about lighting a candle and the spirit of God inviting us to the light. After I wrote that, a fellow Optimist Club member gave me a candle ornament that she made, a parishioner of my son’s church gave me a bag full of candles, I was asked to lead the lighting of the Advent Candles for a local congregation via a recording, and then I read a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., "But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars."
It is indeed in the light of Christ that I/we take refuge and find a place of joy. It is especially true during this Advent Season as we take time and light the Advent candles for hope, peace, love and joy. It is also evident in the scripture reading for this past Sunday, that even in darkness, we are called to
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One Who calls you is faithful, and He will do this” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
May the darkness not overwhelm us. May the season bring rejoicing. May the holiness of God give peace.
Prayer: “Breathe into me Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy. Move in me Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me Holy Spirit that I always may be holy” (St. Augustine).
May this devotion provide you with a moment of faithful reflection and care. You are involved in ministries of justice and witness, in ministries of standing up and standing with people working to create better systems and communities, in ministries of learning and searching and researching to become more aware and awakened, more technologically savvy and proficient, more virtually and personally present in your churches and communities and world. Each of us who serve as members of your Wisconsin Cabinet write these devotions in grateful prayer for you – for sustenance and buoyancy, for strength and courage, for safety and just actions, and for faith and love to be full and fulfilled in your daily lives. God’s grace and blessings, God’s challenge and healthy discomfort, God’s Spirit and energy be with you, in the hope Christ offers us all.