What My Candle Means

Someone asked me what Advent is and what I'm doing this candle lighting thing for. 
Here is some of my reply.

  Hope is what Advent represents, to me.

 Wikipedia: Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

I am enjoying this advent season more than any since Mom died.

I have not done this, before, friend.  On the first Sunday of Advent I lit one candle. I plan to light two, next Sunday and so on. I don't have an advent wreath. This is not a family ritual. I just feel like celebrating hope in a world that sometimes seems to have forgotten that God made the way. I feel like celebrating grace that sheds light into all the darkness of my sin and failing and shows the wonder that Jesus came. I feel like celebrating the joy of the Spirit among all the glitz and rush that masks the fear that does not come from our Father. I feel like remembering that Jesus is coming to reign. I feel like focusing on Him, for a few moments. I feel like... lighting candles!