Advent Devotional
Advent invites us to mark time differently.
While the world rushes toward the end of the year, we begin again with a single spark: a candle lit in hope. This season helps us slow down, breathe deeply, and pay attention to the light God offers in our ordinary days. Each week our staff will offer scripture, a short devotional, some reflection questions, and a simple breath prayer to steady your spirit. Try reading by some form of light—a candle, a fireplace, patio lights, or the soft glow of morning. Let the light become part of your practice as together we long for it, prepare for it, carry it, and share it this season.
Week One: The Light We Long For
by Rev. Mark Taylor, Minister of Faith Development
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Genesis 1:1–5 (NRSV)
One of my favorite things in life is a fire. I love to light candles at the dinner table, sit by the fireplace, or enjoy a cozy night on the patio with my chiminea. There is something grounding about the light of the fire. It holds the space when the world feels chaotic. It’s an invitation to find peace in the moment regardless of what else is weighing you down.
Perhaps that’s why Christmas lights are among my favorite decorations. Seeing those simple lights shimmering in the night sky, shining on the tree or outlining the roof is a moment of peace and comfort for me (and I suspect maybe for you too).
We’re all longing for something this holiday season. Have you found it yet? We’re longing for the comfort of home that is found when we give ourselves permission to simply be – when we allow ourselves to be present in the moment and let go of all the things we “should be” doing. That’s the invitation of the light: to be in the light, to enjoy the fire, to drive around and look at Christmas lights. I think we’re longing for the light – the physical AND the spiritual light of Christmas.
Meta Herrick Carlson puts it this way: “We light a candle to remember it doesn’t take much. A small flame can make shadows dance and eyes twinkle, casting a warm glow on those we love.”
When God began creating the world, light was at the top of the list. God saw that the light was good. Perhaps even God longs for the light.
There is a lot going on in the world around us. This Advent season, I’m looking for those dancing shadows; I need the warm glow from that simple flame. So, I’m going to lean into the invitation of the light. I’m going to light more candles. I’m going to linger by the fire. I’m going to do my best to be present, anchored by the light.
Perhaps you’ll join me.
Reflection Questions:
Where do you feel the deepest longing for light in your life right now?
How might you welcome even a small flicker of hope into a place that feels shadowed or uncertain?
Breath Prayer: Inhale Light of God Exhale Come to me