Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?

 

I get tickled every Advent when we light the candles there always seems to be a "breeze" in the room that did not exist before the candles were lit.  The flames begin to dance and often the candles need to be re-lit.  The children just can't stand it!  They can't wait to see the flame extinguished!  I wonder what flame in our lives are being snuffed out too soon? Opportunities to experience a blessing but we get bored or simply give up.  This week's Gospel lesson takes us into the doubts of John the Baptist as he sat imprisoned and he began to question if Jesus truly was the Messiah or was there someone else to come?  He needed his flame fueled and that is just what Jesus does.  He sends the disciples back to John to tell him about those who were lame but now walk; the deaf who now hear; the dead who now live!    

As much as the children love to see the light snuffed out, they also thrill in the smoke which encircles the candle.  We compare this to death of Jesus and to His resurrection.  Although we may not see the bright glow of the flame, we know he encircles us just as the smoke does.  Kindling the Christmas flame in the next generation; laying out the truth of salvation and then to kindle and tend this flame that no "breeze" will ever extinguish that is our Advent calling.  And not just in our children.  Who do you know who might need their flame fanned with a word of encouragement this Advent?  

Dear precious Heavenly Father, may we hear you whisper "Today, my precious child, let there be light" and at night may we hear you say "There was light."