Well, since I'm behind a week I had a few different topics from which to choose, but I decided that I connected best with these two reflections.
Rolheiser describes first how "South Africans prior to the abolition of apartheid would light candles and place them in their windows as a sign of hope, a sign that one day this injustice would be overcome." Light and Hope -- or HOPE, as some of us write -- are things I know!
When our group of friends say "I'll light a beacon for you" or ask "Please light a beacon for me," we all understand that this simple light -- whether literal or figurative -- means that we have offered up a prayer, a good thought, a special intention for those in need. If we all lived close enough we would light a signal fire across the miles to send out for aid. This is imagery used by Peter Jackson in the Lord of the Rings films that while illuminating Tolkien's great work, also speaks to the audience of an age-old custom used by allies and vassals. It's imagery we all understand. To continue the theme, Galadriel gives Frodo a phial of light from the star Ëarendil to shine a light in the "dark places of the world."
To those of us who share a Christian belief, Christ is that Light. His coming illuminates those "dark places of the world." In Advent we wait for that light to kindle in the sky, the Star in the East. He comes to our aid.
Rolheiser describes first how "South Africans prior to the abolition of apartheid would light candles and place them in their windows as a sign of hope, a sign that one day this injustice would be overcome." Light and Hope -- or HOPE, as some of us write -- are things I know!
When our group of friends say "I'll light a beacon for you" or ask "Please light a beacon for me," we all understand that this simple light -- whether literal or figurative -- means that we have offered up a prayer, a good thought, a special intention for those in need. If we all lived close enough we would light a signal fire across the miles to send out for aid. This is imagery used by Peter Jackson in the Lord of the Rings films that while illuminating Tolkien's great work, also speaks to the audience of an age-old custom used by allies and vassals. It's imagery we all understand. To continue the theme, Galadriel gives Frodo a phial of light from the star Ëarendil to shine a light in the "dark places of the world."
To those of us who share a Christian belief, Christ is that Light. His coming illuminates those "dark places of the world." In Advent we wait for that light to kindle in the sky, the Star in the East. He comes to our aid.
2 comments:
As we were driving to Niko's program last night, the moon was SOOOOO bright, and stars were twinkling. We talked of moons and stars. Gabey stated that the sun is the brightest star. We agreed that it is the brightest star in our solar system. (space of a heartbeat) Gabey informed us that Jesus' star is the brightest star.
Out of the mouths of babes...or in this case, a four year old.
What a wonderful moment! Jesus' star is indeed the brightest!
Post a Comment