Today was our final Advent reflection based on Helen Bruch Pearson's book.

The last thing we did was for five of us to light a taper from the red candles representing each of the women, naming her aloud, and then together to light the gold 'Jesus candle'.

For me there was something very moving about the coming together of these five stories in the united act of 'birthing' the Light of the World

Tamar

Rahab

Ruth

Bathsheba

Mary

Jesus' mother-roots

Our advent journey nears its conclusion... the scarlet threads draw together to weave a shawl in which to wrap the infant Christ, son of Tamar, son of Rahab, son of Ruth, son of Bathsheba, son of Mary, son of God.