“God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.”

Buildings and streets will soon be filled with all the things that sparkle, shine, and shimmer.  These dazzling effects give off an air of excitement.  They give us also a moment to slow down and appreciate its design.  Once we snap out of it the sense of busy-ness and urgency returns to complete tasks common during this lead up time.  The list of things to do seems endless: end of year functions to attend, graduation ceremonies to organise, carols to practise and perform, gifts to buy, decorations to adorn our homes and businesses.

Our churches across Melbourne are also busy setting up nativity displays and Advent candles to mark the new season.  The colour purple marks a season of active anticipation and waiting.  The change in season changes both our mood and activity.  We are moving from being prepared for the second coming of Christ as we concluded Ordinary Time to the first coming of Christ in Advent.

When someone is arriving, there is a sense of anxiety or hope. Anxiety as we don’t know what to expect from this person or what they might bring to our world and life. On the other hand, we are filled with hope in knowing a change for the better is coming. What do we hope for? It is clear that in some parts of the world change is needed for the sake of those who are suffering. The lights that line our streets and inside our homes can be taken for granted. For the many affected by conflict the necessity of light has become a luxury. Light enables activities and movements which is a sign of a normal life.

When I stare into the flame of a lit candle, I think of warmth and vision. Warmth from the flame is appreciated during those cold days and nights. There is also a kind of warmth that touches our hearts. The warmth of knowing that we are loved. A love defined by St Paul as acts of kindness, patience, gentleness, and forgiveness. To know that we are loved gives us much confidence about the future. To know that we will be supported by those acts of love gives us confidence to move forward. Moving forward in such a confident way is like having the light to guide our next steps.

By Fr Hoang Dinh

Publishes: 1 December 2023