The Advent Candle: The Angels and Peace
18/12/05
Amidst the increasing frenzy of a commercialized Christmas season, we come again to seek out this silent and holy spot where we may stop to contemplate and meditate and hope...
'And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men!"' (Luke 2:13- 14). Imagine what life might be like if all people lived according to that blessing of the angels? If we all were to glorify God in everything we do, work together to ensure peace on earth and always share goodwill with our fellow man?
Today, we relight the Prophets' Candle of Hope, the Shepherds' Candle of Faith, the Bethlehem Candle of Joy and we kindle the Angels' Candle of Peace. All four candles are now lit. Let us wait expectantly for the coming of the Christ Child. This last week of Advent is the stillness of night before the dawn, the expectancy of a mother as the child kicks in her womb. Take time to seek out the peace that the angels wished for us so long ago.
"Almighty God, thank you for sending us the blessing of the angels. Infuse our lives with your peace that passes human understanding. Help us to hold that peace within our hearts so that it may serve as a rock upon which we can anchor our lives, a port where we can go to be safe from the storms of life. Help us to share that peace. Amen."
'And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men!"' (Luke 2:13- 14). Imagine what life might be like if all people lived according to that blessing of the angels? If we all were to glorify God in everything we do, work together to ensure peace on earth and always share goodwill with our fellow man?
Today, we relight the Prophets' Candle of Hope, the Shepherds' Candle of Faith, the Bethlehem Candle of Joy and we kindle the Angels' Candle of Peace. All four candles are now lit. Let us wait expectantly for the coming of the Christ Child. This last week of Advent is the stillness of night before the dawn, the expectancy of a mother as the child kicks in her womb. Take time to seek out the peace that the angels wished for us so long ago.
"Almighty God, thank you for sending us the blessing of the angels. Infuse our lives with your peace that passes human understanding. Help us to hold that peace within our hearts so that it may serve as a rock upon which we can anchor our lives, a port where we can go to be safe from the storms of life. Help us to share that peace. Amen."