A new term has crept into the English language this year – existential exhaustion. It comes from a lack of hope, purpose, or alignment between your inner self and outer life. Simple rest or sleep cannot fix this kind of tiredness because it robs us of psychological and emotional energy. People of faith might call it Spiritual burn out.
But Advent is a season of renewal for Christians that offers a cure for this darkness of the soul. Whether we are feeling a time of personal grief or cultural crisis the coming birth of the Christ Child is a perpetual light no darkness can overcome. As our God has redeemed us and Israel so often from our foolish ways, we know this Holy Advent season will renew our hope and faith once more.
Long ago, in the midst of America’s darkest hour, a horrible Civil War that cost 700,000 lives, Julia Ward Howe wrote some of the most inspiring words ever: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” Doesn’t that capture the reason we light our Advent candles the next four Sundays?
No matter how weary our souls or bodies may be; no matter how short and dark December days become, we still dare to light the candle of Hope today because our eyes of faith can still see the glory of the coming of the Lord.
[Light first candle]
Please pray with me. O Creator God, as you said “Let there be light” on the first day of creation, speak your word of hope again today into the darkest recesses of our hearts. When we are bone tired deliver us from fake remedies that promise rest but do not deliver. Remind us instead of your invitation to come to you when our hearts are heavy laden for you alone can give rest for our souls. With thankful and hopeful hearts we begin this Advent pilgrimage again to a humble stable and a stable faith. Amen
Peacefully Harsh 