Isaiah 11:1-5
Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—
yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
He will delight in obeying the Lord.
He will not judge by appearance
nor make a decision based on hearsay.
He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.
He will wear righteousness like a belt
and truth like an undergarment.
“I will light Candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.”
-Howard Thurman
Reflection:
Advent means waiting and this first week of Advent traditionally focuses on the theme of hope. So, during this time we wait with hope. Read the passage and poem.
Here in the northern hemisphere the darkness of night extends longer and in many places the cold creeps in. Often our churches will light candles this time of the year, whether it’s an Advent candle or candles on Christmas Eve. So today, we invite you light a candle mindfully and slowly. Watch and listen as you strike a match to light. Watch as you transfer the flame from the match to the candle wick. Spend a few moments watching the candle light. Read the poem above out loud. Pause in silent prayer.