We lit our first candle for advent this past Sunday. The candle of Peace. After everyone had left the sanctuary I made sure the candle was out. For a moment I was fascinated by the smoke as it drifted and spiraled on its peaceful upward journey.

An American poet named Wendell Berry wrote, “Sabbath observance invites us to stop. It invites us to rest. It asks us to take notice that while we rest, the world continues without our help. It invites us to delight in the world’s beauty and abundance.”

Take a moment today to slow down on the path. Look around you and notice some of the small things. The rain, the falling leaves, the face of a child the lights on the houses celebrating the coming of the Christ child. Be like that smoke and just live in the presence of our Savior resting and at peace. Trust me you need this today.

O Lord, let my soul rise to meet you as  the day rises to meet the sun. Amen