Dear Everyone,

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, when we light the Hope candle. This advent, I’m inviting everyone to join with me in reading “Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen.” It isn’t too late to pick up a copy and join me.

Today, I began with Day 1 and I will continue in the Part 1 readings until Christmas, when I will switch to Part 2, and read the readings for the 12 Days of Christmas. I’ll be posting weekly and then on Saturday, December 16th, I’ll be joining the All things SR podcast in their chatroom at 9AM Eastern to talk about the readings.

Today’s Advent reading speaks of hope in the darkness, acknowledging that we live in a world filled with shouts, screams, and empty promises. To that list, I would add violence, hate, terrorism, and war. The challenge is to look to the light, to have hope, and to recognize that we are not alone. Advent is the beginning of a journey and I invite you to journey with me, to have hope, and to look to the light.

In the book of Isaiah 9:2, he writes, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” This is the light of Christmas, the light of salvation, the light for all of us. Join me in lighting a candle tonight to represent our hope, and to banish the darkness.

Peace be with you all,

SR

www.sylvainreynard.com