Today is the second Sunday in the tradition of Advent. It may seem like just another empty ritual, but once we start digging into some of the details, a whole new clarity may emerge. The common use of candles symbolize the dawning of a new era of enlightenment, a time of joy, peace, hope and love that will last forever, the coming of Christ who will show us how to make God’s plan for us a reality so the Garden of Eden may be restored.
The number one tool he gives us to do that is love. When we think of love, we might think of something romantic or even erotic. It is that for sure, but some people get a little closer to the full meaning of God’s love when we take care of our brothers and sisters who are in need. Beyond even that, God’s love also has to do with how we treat each other as physical representations of God, his children.That, of course, begs the question: Who is God? Answering that more fully will have to wait till another day. Today I will just say this:
Even though God is really a creation of people who lived long ago, perhaps even before there was a way to reliably convey it to the next generation, it is difficult for us even today to grasp the magnitude of God’s love. We might say things like: God is love. That may be true, but what does that really mean? Advent is one of those times we can think about what it means for us individually as well as collectively.
Love is one thing we all share, something we all have in common. It is part of what it means to be human. When we nurture that aspect of our being, hope, joy and peace will follow. It is the good news that is for all the people.
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