Each day during Advent, we will post some sort of reflection having to do with waiting, anticipation, hope. Each one will be different, each one a chance to pause and take a breath during this busy season. Past posts are archived here.
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One would think that in some ways having to make do with “less” ought to create room for “more.” Isn’t this what we sometimes tell ourselves and others? Having less stuff, less commitments, less money helps us to have more time, more intentionality, more room for true worship. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was that easy? Just because there is less going on doesn’t mean that we naturally incline to filling the void with meaning and significance. I can identify with the words of the hymn… “prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” If I’m looking for something to keep me from encountering God this season, then any distraction will do.
Which is why I love tea lights. That’s right, the squatty candles that come encased in little tin cups. This year, around our diminutive Christmas tree, we have four small candles. In our making do with less, we haven’t even gotten around to acquiring a Christ candle yet! And this month, as in years past, we are taking time to pause, light a candle, read a scripture, reflect on truth, and pray together as a family. Amid the new distractions of our own making, tiny cheap candles are put into noble service as our family is reminded that a light – The Light – came into the world. And whether we have more or less, the darkness that masquerades as distraction is shown for what it is in the glow of “this little Light of mine.”
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Today’s post is by Taido Chino, who is currently studying theology in Aberdeen, Scotland.
In his own words: I enjoy the outdoors, biking, good coffee, good food and drink, books, people. In fact, the best days combine all of these things. Oh yeah, and traveling. And movies. Sort of dumb. Doesn’t everyone like movies?
You can find Taido on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at his blog, Square Pegs.