The Art of Celebration

The Art of Celebration

The night is always darkest before the dawn. When you think of epic adventure stories like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or even fairy tales like Cinderella and Frozen, there is a sense that evil is not only gaining ground and getting the upper hand but also that its victory seems imminent. 

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

It is precisely at this moment that light pierces the darkness - Luke withstands the temptation of Darth Vader, Aragorn takes on the role of leader, Cinderella is given a dress and ticket to the ball, and Anna is willing to give the ultimate gift.

Hope breaks through the despair. There is a sense that perhaps good can win. 

We realize that even the darkest dark is no match for the light.  

As our days get shorter and the nights grow longer, as we survive the hustle and bustle of this season and move toward Christmas, let us recognize that Christ entered the world - became Incarnate! - and that this event has present day significance and consequence. 

Good can win. There is reason for hope. 

Trust him with your sorrows. Cast aside your shadows. Fight for your joy.

This Advent, (re)discover the art of celebration! Maranatha - the Lord is coming! 

An Advent Prayer

This Christmas, may we have abundant Joy in Christ and may our Joy be complete.

He is the Song of our hearts.

He is the Joy of our lives.

He is the light of our souls.

Let us cast aside our shadows.

Let us trade in our sorrows.

Let us choose celebration.

Awaken our hearts to His Love – He is our Song!

Enliven our spirits to help others – He is our Joy!

Move in us and through us – He is our light!

This Christmas, may we have abundant Joy in Christ and may our Joy be complete.

Amen.

-inspired by Rend Collective Experiment