Light …..

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights begins this week. I love that our Christian tradition of the Advent Wreath and candle lighting echoes the ancient Jewish tradition of lighting the candles on the menorah. The genesis of the two holidays is quite different, but both seek to bring light into a dark world.

Each of the eight nights, faithful Jews offer this prayer upon lighting the candles:

Blessed are you, Adonai Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through Your commandments, and commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.

As we light the Advent candle, our Episcopal tradition offers this concluding prayer:

Almighty God, you pour on us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

There were no candles, but our first Advent Afternoon Tea was a delight. Come and join us for fellowship and conversation, to ponder this season of preparation and the light of God’s presence in our lives. We will meet again on the remaining Advent Wednesdays, December 13 and December 20, at 2pm in the Sunday School Room (next to the library).

May light, life, and love fill our hearts.

Advent Blessings, Judy Q+