Photo: Hans@pixabay, Germany.

I focused on candles this week for two reasons. The first is that we are celebrating the anniversary of this website so happy 1st birthday!  I had committed to myself one year ago that I would post an entry every week of the year and, even though it was sometimes difficult, I have managed it, often thanks to guest contributors or others' beautiful poetry and songs I found along the way. Writing has become a spiritual practice for me and I am thankful. 

The other reason I chose a candle for this first week in December is that it is the start of Advent, a time for creating space in our lives for reflection and renewal. Our church began a series entitled "How does a weary world rejoice" and I want to share their Advent prayers with you here.  (Credit to the worship team at A Sanctified Art.)

Picture and text: A Sanctified Art. Photos of candles from Mill City Church, Minneapolis, Minn.

Week 1: How does a weary world hope?

By telling stories of hope, by lighting candles in the night, and planting seeds in the winter that will bloom in the spring.

By praying for children as they grow.

By picking up trash on the sidewalk.

By insisting that small acts can make a difference. 

There are a million ways to practice hope. 

So today we light the candle of hope as a reminder and a charge. 

With God’s help, may we bring hope into a weary world. Amen.

Week 2: How does a weary world practice peace?

By listening before we speak and saying sorry when we need to.

By advocating for justice and caring for our neighbor. 

By practicing Sabbath and forgiving seventy times seven.

By choosing grace over hate and opening the door for each other.

There are a million ways to practice peace. 

So today we light the candle of peace as a reminder and a charge. 

With God’s help, may we bring peace into a weary world. Amen.

Week 3: How does a weary world practice joy?

By dancing, and throwing birthday parties.

By hanging Christmas lights, and holding sleeping babies.

By singing loudly, and looking for good news.

By telling the story of Jesus, and showing up for our community.

There are a million ways to practice joy. 

So today we light the candle of joy as a reminder and a charge. 

With God’s help, may we bring joy into a weary world. Amen.

Week 4: How does a weary world practice love?

By sending cards, and picking up the phone.

By practicing empathy, and assuming the best in others.

By learning people's stories and finding common ground.

By advocating for justice, and saving a place at the table.

There are a million ways to practice love

So today we light the candle of love as a reminder and a charge. 

With God’s help, may we bring love into a weary world. Amen.