Advent Devotional - Day 13

John 1:5:  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Every year, a child lights a lantern from a perpetual flame in the grotto marking the spot where tradition says Christ was born. From that flame in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, the light then spreads across Europe and North America. The “Peace Light” is shared across more and more communities, with plans to share the light across all continents. It reminds us of our unity, our connection, and our shared vision of peace through Christ who is our Peace.

On a frigid November morning, I met a man who carried the Peace Light from Massachusetts to Colorado. In the parking lot, he lit my lantern and charged me to share the light, and to share peace, with every person I meet.  Peace is shared from one person to another, like a candle flame. Christ’s light is shining in the darkness, and the light is growing to illuminate the whole world!

PRAYER
O Christ, our Light and our Peace, just like we light candles this Advent season, teach us to share your peace with our neighbors, both near and far. Amen.

Rev. Laura Blank, Pastor, Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, Smock