Dear Friends,

Christianity celebrates the Season of Advent, weeks before Christmas. “The Advent season is a time of preparation and reflection leading up to Christmas. The Advent wreath, adorned with candles, plays a significant role in this tradition. The wreath is typically made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and holds four candles, each representing a specific theme of HOPE, PEACE, JOY , and LOVE associated with the Sundays of Advent. In some traditions, a fifth white candle, known as the CHRIST  candle, is also included and lit on Christmas Day.” (AI Internet)

Whatever faith tradition you follow, the beautiful ideas of keeping HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE in the forefront of our minds is the way to make it through the day.

How HOPEFUL were we today? Did we bring hope to someone suffering, sick in the hospital, a relationship?                                                                                                How PEACEFUL were we today? Did we create peace in our relationships or did we instigate worry or uneasiness?
How JOYFUL were we today? Did we say a kind word, make someone smile and laugh with an uplifting joke?

How LOVING were we today. Did we give a hug to our spouses, our kids, our grandkids, a neighbor going through a rough time. Did we say I LOVE YOU to someone today?

Did we reflect on the beautiful trees with sprawling branches and take a moment to recognize our ETERNAL LIFE. Earth life is but a part of the golden thread of life that never ceases.

Lastly are we filled with the CHRIST Consciousness, an expression of GOD in all we do. “Christ Consciousness is known by love, peace, compassion, acceptance, wisdom, discernment, clarity, integrity, strength, courage, faith, trust, kindness, inclusiveness, and goodness.”(Gina Lake, from her book Jesus Speaking: On Embodying Christ Consciousness.)

Enjoy the Season!