Monday, December 10, 2012

Thoughts about the approaching light


Monday, Second Week of Advent

We have all heard the story about the light at the end of the tunnel.  It could be the opening of the tunnel that reveals a new horizon.  Or it could be the headlight of an approaching train.  In the former, we walk toward the light with hope, anticipation and a sense of relief.  In the latter, we either climb the sides of the tunnel for safety or run in the opposite direction as quickly as we can. 

Advent and the holidays can have a quality of approach/avoidance. 

The approaching joy of tradition and the splendor of God’s Gift in Christ can make us tingle with anticipation – we may want the light of the season so much that we will want to whisk by the softer tones of Advent Songs or the simplicity of Advent decorations. 

But for others, the glittering lights of Christmas scratch at the surface of conflicted emotions or attitudes about family, friends, church or life as a whole.  Gift giving and decorating or planning gatherings can actually generate anxiety. 

How are you as you begin this second week of Advent?  Does the approach of Christmas feel like the light at the end of the tunnel or the approach of a train? 


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