A Thrill of HOPE
I am so grateful for beautiful life (and that my birthday falls within Advent). The candles of HOPE and PEACE are now lit, on the wreath, and in my heart. The lectionary had an obscure (not-seemingly-super-Adventy) scripture from Luke 21:25-33 (AMP) the first Sunday. The sky is literally falling, but God, in holy mystery, reminds the end isn't the end. The Return of Christ: “There will be signs (attesting miracles) in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves, people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory. Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is dra