Hope: The Lighting of the First Advent Candle

During this season of advent, I will be 'blogging' about the themes of advent leading up to the event that changed the course of history for believers and non-believers alike.

Hope is an ache in the heart that longs for the promise of knowing God.  It is what keeps us walking down the path on our journey toward whatever will be our destiny.  We move forward in hope of a brighter day, a better tommorrow.  It is during advent that we have hope renewed and practice our own rituals that maintain the flame of hope, burning bright within us.

This passage was read during the lighting of the first advent candle this morning at my church:

"The poet, Emily Dickenson, wrote: 'Hope is the thing with feather the perches in the soul.'  The psalmist declared: 'I put my hope in you all day long.'   Hope is more than wishful thinking.  Hope is the Spirit of God dwelling within us, reminding us we are never alone.  Hope is our active commitment to be God's faithful people, whether we walk an easy path or face fiery trials.  When we light the candle of Hope, we embrace God's presence among us, yesterday and today and always."   

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