Dear readers,
Recently I was reminded of an old children’s story: Once there was a decorative Advent wrath. The candles on it started to talk. The first candle shighed and said: “My name is peace. My light is shining but people do not keep peace.” Its light became smaller and smaller and finally went out completely. The second candle was flickering and said: “My name is faith. But no one needs me anymore. People do not want to know about God.” A draft went through the room and the second candle went out. In a quiet manner and very sad the third candle started to speak: “My name is love. I have no more energy to burn. People only see themselves and not the others whom they should love.” And after a last flickering this light also went dark. Then a child came into the room. It looked at the candles and said: “But you three candles there, you should be burning and not be without light!” Now the fourth candle started to speak up. It said: “Do not be afraid! As long as I am burning we can also light the other candles again. My name is hope!” The child took a match, lightened it with the still burning candle and also lightened up all the other candles again!
As long as we do not lose hope other values can survive and even be revived again! Sometimes it takes another person who lightens up these values again.
I wish everyone that this happens especially during Christmas time, that new life comes back to values which are perhaps almost dead. The Divine Services offer an opportunity to receive new life and new light. A hearty welcome to everybody!
With these thoughts on my mind I wish you all a beautiful time of Advent and a joyful and peaceful Christmas time!
Kind regards,
Wolfram Laube