"When one person in a family, in a parish, in a workplace begins to practice being really alive and present in the present moment, not trapped in distractions in her head or lost in his heart, that person is like a burning candle carried into a dark room. People in that person's family or workplace had been sitting in the dark, without even realizing it, thinking that darkness was as bright as things could get. But now, because of the beaming brightness of that person's recollected and whole presence, they are able to see and know deep within themselves just how much more there can be to their religion or their faith. But still, it is only one candle, and the room is still dark. When the flame is passed from person to person until there are many candles burning, then we can really see!" ~Gregory Fruehwirth, OJN, Words for Silence:A Year of Contemplative Meditations

I began reading this lovely book of meditations this past week by Fr. Gregory, a member of the Order of Julian of Norwich,.He is an Episcopal monk living in Wisconsin.The meditations follow the liturgical church year. This paragraph caught my attention, not only for the lovely words, but for the idea that we can become 'burning candles' for one another. What a beautiful thought!

There have been many times in my life when I have experienced the presence of another as a burning candle. To be in the presence of someone who is so fully present to you, so completely attentive that you feel as if there is no place else the other would like to be is a gift. In the harried ways we live much of the time, it is a rare gift. Yet it does happen. These are moments of true grace.

I would love to say that I have the ability to be so in the moment, so present that I, too, can be a burning candle for another. But somehow I feel the distracted life often overtakes me and I don't even send a spark in the direction of those I meet. It is a practice to improve upon and what better time than Advent?  These dark days call to us to be introspective, to slow down and be in the moment where we have been planted. As we wait and watch for the coming of Christmas, what better desire than to be a burning candle?

This idea reminds me of the lighting of candles on Christmas eve. It has been my privilege for many years to be at the front of our darkened sanctuary as the light is passed from one person to another, back each row, until the entire church is lit with burning candles. These candles light the faces of friends, families, strangers…..all beautiful in the golden glow of candlelight. Some faces are smiling, others show the pathway of tears on their cheeks. Some look far into the distance remembering perhaps, while others look out at the beauty that has evolved around them. All faces register wonder.

As we prepare to celebrate the Light of the World, Advent is a time to register our wonder as we are witness to the burning candles among us. It is also a time to be so present to another that we glow.