The season of Advent starts today, and it is the beginning of the Christian church year.  I will use this season and time for reflection about life.  Today I will light The First Candle of Advent, the First of Four before Christmas.  I will try to write about Advent in a way that hopefully will resonate with any religion, or anyone, religious or not, even if the Advent Season is Christian historically.

The Latin word Adventus means coming, so the season of Advent is a time for anticipation and hope.

You can put your own meaning into those words, but as I light the First Advent Candle today I choose to reflect on Hope in life.  I see the light as it brings newness, life and hope into our lives.

To take the time during the Season of Advent to reflect on life, is possibly what Hope is about.  It is a way to live, not just to survive.

For me, to live with Hope, means to live authentically admits all the problems of life that continues.  To be able to see possibility when there is no present evidence of it.

I Hope for all of you that you all will take this time to reflect on your life, and bring Hope back into your life if it was lost.  Hope for a better version of ourselves, and Hope for peace and health for all of our loved ones.

The First Candle of Advent is shining with Hope for all of you.

That is the wonder of Advent.