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Hope is the first candle lit in Advent, lighting  up dark places.

Advent has always been to me a sign of a new beginning. As a child I was taught the church calendar. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension, Whitsunday and Trinity. Advent was the most exciting as it offered hope and surprise as Christmas approached. The Advent calendar led the way. 

In life we have many new beginnings.  Some filled with apprehension, some with joy and some with sadness.

Without hope and faith the assurance promised will be fraught with uncertainties. Yes, there will be challenges. Some with grief, anxiety, depression and illness.

These challenges don’t just go away but one’s load will be lightened with hope and faith.

By lighting that first candle, a symbol of Hope, offers us some light in the darkness as we enter a new Christian year.

~ Catherine Midgley