Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord - Advent 2007

Dear St. Charles Parish Community,

During Advent, children and youth from St. Charles School, Latino religious education classes, Atrium, Grade Based Classes, On the Way, WAY, and Children's Liturgy of the Word will be reflecting on the Advent theme: “Let us Walk in the Light of the Lord.” During this time, each group is invited to create an expression of this Advent theme using a cut-out symbol of a “candle.”

The candles will be hung in the gym and church for the 5pm Christmas Eve liturgies and remain in the church for the Christmas season.
As we reflect on candles and light, we will remember how birthday candles full of good wishes help celebrate the life of those we love. Candles placed on tables for family meals are a sign of specialness and care. Other times, candles are lit quietly in remembrance. Sometimes, they burn for steadfastness and faith—in prayer for healing or protection or guidance.

We will talk about how, with the coming of winter, day-light is cherished. Lights burning within homes provide warmth and shelter from the cold and dark outside.

The Advent wreath and its candlelight will be seen as a symbol for our faith journey at the beginning of a new liturgical year. We will reflect upon what it means to be light and warmth for others and how difficult this can be. God invites us to stay awake and in small ways, through others care, gives us guiding light to see and be hope for others. With a small spark, love can burn brightly in the warmth of a smile, a kind word, time spent with another, forgiveness, patient understanding, and a guiding hand. On a cold, dark night, the fire of love can warm hands, feet and hearts.

As we journey through Advent, the light of our Advent wreath grows brighter. In hope and joy we are challenged to do little things with great love, shining brightly--to be God’s kingdom coming. Sometimes, we grow impatient and our lights flicker. Taking time to love can be too awkward, too inconvenient.

Waiting is not easy. We wait for someone, something to come. Impatient, we don’t understand why the computer can’t go faster, why someone won’t return our call, why a friend takes so long to arrive.

We will see how stillness can bring light. We will talk about quietness and what it feels like to take off earphones, turn off the video game and be still--What we hear when we truly listen to God’s Word and one another.

The children will be invited to take a tag from the Parish Giving Tree and be a light of hope and care for those who live in the darkness of need. During Advent, baskets will be placed on the altar for the St. Charles Food Pantry. Children gathering for the 9am and 11am Children's Liturgy of the Word will be invited to be light for those who live in the darkness of hunger.

Light your candles quietly, Such candles as you possess, Wherever you are.

St. Charles Education Leaders