Our Advent Companion: Hope

This week marks the beginning of Advent, the holy season that starts the first Sunday of December and ends Christmas Day.  Many Christian traditions include the weekly lighting of candles on an Advent wreath. Each week during Advent, I will share brushstrokes and words that depict Advent as a time of spiritual companionship with God and with each other. 

The first candle of Advent is Hope, a hope that guides us as we journey towards December 25.    My small painting of an Advent wreath portrays symbols of Hope. The candle with its bright light spreading over the sky symbolizes the optimism that accompanies hope. The delicate purple violets peeking out of the wreath and the larger purple lilies denote hope for beauty and growth.  Yellow butterflies fill the sky. They are reminders of transformation. On the distant hillside are some almond trees. Their nutritious nuts provide the sustenance and strength needed to persevere with hope during Advent’s journey. 

A closer look reveals the faint yet familiar silhouettes of two travelers, one riding a donkey, one leading the way and pointing towards the horizon.  They travel with hope as their present companion and as their destination.

Pause and reflect upon the painting. Come and celebrate with me as we infuse hope into the Season. Like those long-ago travelers, let us journey as companions with Hope and towards Hope:   Hope for growth; Hope for transformation; Hope for sustenance and strength; Hope for the Good News of God’s Presence in the World.

I wonder…

How was Hope a part of the journey to Bethlehem?

I wonder…

How can we experience Hope as a part of this Advent journey?

Psalm 121:8: The Lord will protect you on your journeys- whether going or coming- from now until forever from now.

Prayer:  God of Light, Flowers, Butterflies, Trees, and Us.  May we find Hope through every step of our lives as we draw ever closer to You.  Amen. 

Original artwork by Beth Hatcher 2024