Reading & Meditation Hope by Rev. Christine Emmerling, D.D. 12/3/2023
Today we begin the annual Christian tradition of Advent. Advent means adventure and coming arrival. This is a spiritual adventure that we take each year which begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Dec. 24th.
Advent is the remembering the birth of Christ Jesus, and is the period of preparation for the 2nd coming of the Christ. In Divine Science and New Thought teachings this 2nd coming happens within us.
A popular tradition for the Advent season is the lighting of four candles in a wreath. Three candles are purple with one being pink, and in the center is a white candle. The four surrounding candles are lit one each Sunday, and on Christmas Eve the center white candle is also lit.
Hope is the first spiritual attribute to unfold as we take this journey. The hope of the Hebrew people who captured a new vision some 2700 years ago foretold in Isaiah 9:2 & 6, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder: and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty One, The Everlasting god, The Prince of Peace.”
We shall now light our candle of hope by using our imagination. We see this light lit within our heart, and we affirm “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.
Meditation
We shall now move into meditation on hope. Let us turn inward to our holy temple. Bring our attention to our breath breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly. Quiet and still our thoughts and listen and take these words in as we abide in the Presence.
Col. 1:27, “Christ in you the hope and glory.”
Christ the individualized expression of God within me. Christ the living inner expression of God that is unfolding through me. Hope keeps this spiritual inner flame alive in me. Through hope every vision and dream is given new life and strength to become a reality. Hope is a life giving energy that feeds and drives me ever onward.
Christ in me the hope and glory. (Repeat)
Every day I am renewed by my hope for greater things to come. I am in awe of a tiny ant regardless of the size it is carrying it just keeps on going.
A caterpillar that someday becomes a beautiful butterfly. A baby bird that takes its first flight. A woman pregnant to someday hold her baby. The hope in a baby’s eyes watching little children knowing someday they too will run and play. It is hope that carries me through the darkest times. Every vision, desire and dream has its beginning in a ray of hope knowing there is something greater within me waiting to be expressed. Christ in me the hope and glory. (Silence)
Thank you Divine Presence for these moments in communion - in oneness.
So it is. Amen.
Let us bring our attention back.
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