Dear Friends and Parishioners,
As we lit our first Advent candle last week, I thought it looked kind of dim and alone. There is
no doubt our community and University and many others have started our Advent Season in
darkness. The loss of the four students at the University has affected so many people. More
so, the passing of two wonderful ladies in our parish, Fern Bielenberg and Norma Bailey,
brings sadness, even as they enjoy their journey to Christ.
This week, we will light another candle on our wreath and things will be brighter. Two lights
shining in the darkness. Our readings for the Second Week of Advent tell us about our need to
listen to the “one.” Isaiah comforts us, “On that day a shoot shall sprout from the stump of
Jesse.” From that one shoot comes the many; the spirit of counsel, strength, knowledge,
delight, and fear of the Lord.
John the Baptist is “A voice of one crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord…” His
single, solo voice brings “the many” to the River Jordan; “…Jerusalem, all Judea and the whole
region around the Jordan…” Even though people think he is “the one,” John says “…the
one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals.”
It will continue to grow dark until the Winter Solstice on December 22nd. By that time, all four
candles on our Advent wreath will be burning brightly. Two days later the world is full of light
for “on that day” Christ our Light overcomes any darkness. A light so bright because we are
shining in the darkness with
, and for, each other.
Peace,