Fire and Smoke

The first candle on the Advent Wreath has been lit and extinguished by now.  I like candles in the Sanctuary.  It was always a special moment when the acolytes made their journey up the aisle to light the candles on the Table.  And, to be honest is to confess that when the journey was reversed and the candles were extinguished, I often said quietly to myself, "Holy Smoke." The smoke hanging and curling in the air for a brief moment before it disappeared almost always made me think of the Holy Spirit.    

The burning candles and the extinguished candles spoke their own message.  I loved the Christ Candle ablaze on Easter Sunday.  I found great meaning in that moment of darkness on Good Friday evening when one after another all the candles were extinguished until the Sanctuary was bathed in a darkness I knew had only a temporary hold.  And only a few of us do not have precious memories of holding a candle on Christmas Eve as we sang with the host of saints, "Silent Night."  

The fire and smoke speaks its own message to each of us. It is likely a message we have taken for granted over the years, but there in the darkness in which each speaks is a Word from God reminding us of so many things which propel us forward in expressing our love and adoration for the One who has come to us through Bethlehem and who promises to come still once again in such a way that we shall all see Him and His glory.  Thanks be to God!