Advent's Mourning Light

Christkind at Christkindl Market, Kitchener ON -December 2012

A voice was heard in Ramah,

weeping and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

she refused to be comforted,

because they are no more." 

Matt. 2:18

Charlotte, 6; Daniel, 7; Rachel Davino, 29; Olivia, 6; Josephine, 7; 

Ana, 6; Dylan, 6; Dawn Hocksprung, 47; Madeleine, 6; Catherine, 6; 

Chase, 7; Jesse, 6; James, 6; Grace, 7; Anne Marie Murphy, 52; 

Emilie Parker, 6; Jack, 6; Noah, 6; Caroline, 6; Jessica, 6; 

Avielle, 6; Lauren Russeau, 30; Mary Sherlach, 56; 

Victoria Soto, 27; Benjamin, 6; Allison, 6. 

Still the earth in darkness lies.

Up from death’s dark vale arise

Voices of a world in grief...

The third Advent candle shines as many tears are shed after the violent mass murder at a Connecticut school this week. Anyone who is a parent, teacher, student, or caring citizen of the world is saddened by the senseless slaughter of innocent children and their caregivers. Our pastor spoke last week about the evil and violent rule of Herod the Great and reminded us that preoccupation with power, possessions, prestige and paranoia is still the way of many in the world. This same evil would cause us to live in fear and raise our children in a culture of fear. History repeats itself over and over again. It is easy to ignore suffering in the world until evil is close to home. Our feeble efforts to protect ourselves from the overwhelming darkness are futile.

And we wait for the Light,  for our Saviour and Redeemer.

Jesus taught the crowds on the hillside.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, 

and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

so that they may see your good works and 

give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

(Matthew 5)

We stand boldly and brighten the darkness with the light he has given. His Spirit burns within as we 

watch, wait, 

serve, suffer, 

love, give, 

rejoice, mourn 
and

never lose hope.

Light of light, we humbly pray,

Shine upon Thy world today;

Break the gloom of our dark night,

Fill our souls with love and light,

Send Thy blessed Word again,

“Peace on earth, good will to men.”

Douglas L. Rights

Flame Tree in bloom, Mexico