Sometimes something is suggested that is really well intended, but it just doesn't feel right... That's how I felt when I saw on social media a request for churches in the UK not to light the second candle on their Advent wreath/ring as a sign of solidarity with those in Bethlehem who are suffering so much at the moment.  The logic was that the candle for Advent 2 is (sometimes) seen as representing 'Peace' and sometimes (more rarely?) is called the Bethlehem Candle.

I had a problem with the idea, not that it wasn't well intended, but that it actually - to me - was misguided in two ways...

Firstly, all four candles are 'prophetic'  we light candles of 'hope' when all seems hopeless, 'joy' when we are distraught, disillusioned or desperate, 'love' when the world feels full of hatred - and for 'peace' in a world where war, violence and injustice seem to reign.  Not to light the candle seems to me, to say 'we have given up on the idea of peace.'

But what about the solidarity with Bethlehem?  So why just that town (other than the obvious baby Jesus in a manger) - should we not stand in solidarity with those in Ukraine or Russia, those who are affected by wars in places we never hear about, or those who are victims of violence in the home?  If we don't light the candle for Bethlehem, then maybe we should never light it at all..

Two much used sayings...

• It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness
• A candle at midnight is a non-conformist; it say to the darkness, 'I beg to differ'

We lit our 'peace' candle as a prophetic symbol that we believe Gods promises are trustworthy and true.

We lit our 'peace' candle because we want to say to the darkness that threatens to overwhelm Bethlehem, and countless other places, 'we beg to differ'

We lit our candle rather than cursing the darkness.

Others chose differently - maybe they were right and we were wrong, but we believe our motivation - just like theirs - was good.  

A naughty but nice treat from Greggs this morning - according to the menu board in the shop, it's a breakfast roll (omelette as filling).  When I was in Glasgow, said foodstuff was referred to as a 'roll and omelette'.  Apparently here it's an 'omelette bap.'  I wonder what terms people use in other places?

Any way, my omelette in a bread roll, with red sauce, was very yummy!

Tomorrow I start my evening reflections for Advent - similar to, and different from, what I've done in the past, not least because I don't have the facilities to create a nice 'set' in either of my new offices.  However, there will be beautiful music, a bit of Bible, and a gentle chill out time at the end of the day for anyone who wishes it.

So far potential participants extend from  Glasgow to the Isle of Wight and all stops in between!

Looking forward to it very much. 

I was first to arrive at church this morning - not even a robin had walked on the snow, it was absolutely pristine, so I snapped a couple of photos before opening the gate and crunching my way to the door!