Advent days can be long and bleak when dreary skies serve up icy drizzles that dampen our toes and spirits. Trudging through the sludge we wonder, where is the sun?

In an interior landscape of dreariness, we can get lost in the wilderness of loneliness, where weeds of frustration choke our peace and locomotives of fear derail our dreams.  As darkness descends, we need to pursue the promised Light of Advent to lead us out where our crooked lines can be made straight in the warmth of Christ’s love that shines for us, always bright.

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:9

“The promises of God stand above us, more valid that the stars and more effective than the sun. Based on these promises, we will become healthy and free, from the center of our being.  The promises have turned us around and, at once, opened life out into the infinite. Even lamentation retains the song of these promises, and distress their sound, and loneliness their confidence… Announcing God’s nearness, teaching it and bringing it to others: that is what my life means and wants and what it abides by.”  Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ (from Advent of the Heart)

Father Delp (1907-1945), a German Jesuit priest, was imprisoned and executed by the Nazis during World War II for his involvement with the resistance.

grace, peace & Advent Light

Virginia : )

p.s. I know I’ve shared this favorite hymn before (from my Gospel choir days), but this morning I couldn’t stop singing it & then found this really wonderful rendition of “Walk in the Light,” a hymn by Thomas Whitfield.  Be blessed!!