Becky D’Angelo-Veitch, Coordinator of Children’s Ministry and Congregational Life

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

This scripture is a part of the passage that we are focusing on for our current Qabats rotation. This sentence of scripture often comes to mind on Christmas eve when I sit at the 11:00pm service at my parent’s darkened church singing silent night with a lit candle in my hands. As a “tween” just old enough to stay awake through the late service, I would sit next to my grandmother. We would both surreptitiously glance down at her watch late into the service, until finally, its delicate hands came together at the12, and then, with huge smiles and soft whispers, we would be the first to wish each other, “Merry Christmas.”
         The first winter I came home from college, I removed my watch before heading out to church on Christmas eve, knowing that I could not bear to “see” midnight come, on that, our first Christmas without my Grandmother. And yet, midnight did come. Candles were lit, hymns were sung, and sorrow and joy mixed as we celebrated the birth of the savior who reminds us still that darkness will not overcome us.

Jim Chisholm, Elder; Joint Budget & Finance Committee

Reflecting on Advent, I think of the light:

• that shines in the eyes of grandchildren;
• that reflects in the eyes of grandparents;
• that warms the hearts of us all.

John Wilkinson, Pastor

Usually we perceive light to be a good thing. It provides warmth and illumination. But is the illumination always good? Good? Yes! Always easy? Perhaps not.
          An example... Recently, John Pilato (our wonderful lead sexton) replaced the overhead light bulbs in the chapel with a brighter, more powerful bulb. Suddenly, we were able to see better, more clearly, more brightly. We could read easily and see the beautiful details of that beautiful room. At the same time, we were able to see more clearly some work that needs done in the chapel, some worn out areas that had not always received the kind of care needed. Some of it is simply cleaning and maintenance. Some might have to wait until the next capital campaign! Either way, it was only with increased light were we able to see what needed attention.
          So was that good? Yes! Easy? Not necessarily, but surely needed in order for the chapel to be well-maintained and functioning at its best so that it can support our worship life.
          Perhaps Advent, or faith itself, can be that light that gives enhanced illumination and therefore heightened focus on what needs attention and care—in our church, in our world, in our lives.
          Jesus—whose birth we anticipate—is called the light of the world. As light, he illuminates and clarifies. Easy? Not always! Good? Absolutely?
God of light, help us to prepares our hearts and our world for the coming of Jesus, who is the light of the world. Help us tend to whatever needs illumination, so that we may live always into your promise. AMEN.

Bill Ramsay, Elder; Membership and Evangelism Committee

When I think of Advent and Light, I remember:

• The feeling of rebirth of the soul;
• The joy in singing the most beautiful music of this beautiful season of the church year;
• The joy and giving and receiving of fridship, love, and gifts.

 

Martha Tollers, Elder; Worship, Music & Arts Committee Chair

Reflecting on “Light”—I imagine:

The spreading of light—God’s light—within accompanies the is spreading of God’s love within one’s self. It is finding one’s self warm and calm and loved. Being warm and calm and loved, one can then share love outwardly. I think of the song: “This little light of mine…”

Ellen Rye, Elder; Youth Ministry Committee

Reflecting on “Light”—In this season of long cold evenings, we are reminded of the coming Birth of Jesus and the brilliant light he brings to our hearts. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer; we look forward to the coming birth of Jesus, who brings the light of hope, justice, and mercy.

Peg Rachfal, Elder; Membership & Evangelism Committee Co-Chair

Reflecting on “Light”—I think of:

• Flickering firelight on a cold evening;
• Arriving home to a dark, cold house that becomes filled with warmth, children’s laughter, the smells of dinner cooking, and the light of family;
• The light of the Christmas Eve service—candles flickering as they are lit during “Silent Night” and the added excitement of worshipping in our renovated sanctuary;
• God’s light, that follows us wherever we are.