Bringing the Light

Miles Thomas

Last Friday was Santa Lucia Day; in Sweden, the day when girls will rise early and bake special cakes. Then, wearing a crown of lit candles, they deliver the cakes to the family. They are bringing light and joy at this dark time of year.

In our church, we have an Advent wreath. Each Sunday during the worship service the acolytes lights the candles -- one the first Sunday, two the second Sunday, until all four are lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Bringing more light into the world at this dark time of year.

On December 21st, the longest, darkest day of the year, parishioners will gather at twilight to be together, to talk, to pray, to have a cup of tea and some treats, bringing more light into their lives at this dark time of year.

Last December 15, light came into our lives when our youngest grandchild was born. Today, at this very dark time of year, his beautiful smile continues to illuminate our lives more than anything else we can think of. We weren't able to be with him on his birthday and look forward to celebrating it again in two weeks.