Kindred in Christ,

I love Advent. I love the practice of lighting just one candle a week, a slow journey from darkness to light. I used to think that getting to full light was the goal, and the quicker the better! But Advent has taught me to slow down, to take my time, for the formative journey of “shadow and velvety deepness” is the true gift of this season. Advent invites us to linger in the mystery of darkness, allowing ourselves to dwell in that expansive space of the unknown in our lives, and encounter and trust God in a bigger way than when we relied solely on our own sight and understanding. May we encounter the blessing of darkness and light together this season.

Alongside you,

Rev. Paul Ortiz