An amazing thing happened on the first Sunday of Advent. During the previous week I was reflecting on what to share in this newsletter, to encourage you to engage wholeheartedly in this sacred season. A lantern aglow with light kept coming to me as a symbol of Emmanuel (God-with-us) dwelling in the sanctuary of our being. As I sat quietly waiting for Mass to begin in a church where I usually do not worship, I happened to look up and there on a high ledge surrounding the congregation were lanterns of light. In each of the half dozen, two-feet- tall, perpendicular glass vessels a bright light shone. If ever I needed confirmation of my ponderings, that was it. Earlier in the month, my reflections on “light” had been awakened through Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston, Episcopal bishop
and Navaho elder. Here are two of the many insightful pieces from his book:
We have all been to the dark places, the shadowland just next door to what we call reality. There, clarity is lost and doubt dwells. There, we are uncertain about what tomorrow will bring… The dark places can appear slowly or suddenly, but either way they cover us in a fog of doubt, leaving us feeling alone. It is at this moment that faith becomes our compass, for it reminds us that darkness is only a detour, never a destination. These small corners are not the landscape of our lives. They cannot contain the power of love. …the Spirit calls for us until we find our way, out of the dead end of worry and back to the broad and bright streets of hope.
Imagine you walked onto a large open field at night when there was no moon. Standing there silently in the darkness were hundreds of people, each holding an unlit candle. Only you were carrying a candle that was burning, a single light alone. How quickly would the field be glowing once you used your candle to light others, and they used their candles to do the same, and all the people began sharing their light with those around them. You may never know exactly, but you do know over time what the outcome will be: a field aglow in the darkness where people can see one another clearly. Your life matters. What you have started will carry
on. You are a source of light. You help others in ways that will continue. You are a single candle, but you are stronger than darkness.
A candle. A lantern. Whatever symbol we choose to motivate us in being a vessel of light, our intentional movement through the Advent days can make a difference. The shadowy bleakness that permeates those near to us and those around the globe grows less overpowering when lovingkindness radiates within it. This Advent we can go forth each day being aware of both ourselves and others as lanterns of love. We bear the Light of Emanuel, with us and within us, ever present wherever we go.
A prayer to guide you as you carry your Lantern of Love during Advent.
Beloved Emmanuel, in the freshness of this sacred season, come with your strengthening and assuring presence as I focus on living as a lantern of your love. Restrain my wandering mind. Widen my constricted heart as I welcome your loving presence in others. I go forth with hope as I carry and shine forth the radiance of your transforming light.
Abundant peace,
Joyce Rupp
