Walking at the Speed of Candlelight

Have you ever tried walking by candlelight? 

If you walk too quickly, the flame immediately flickers out. To keep the light shining, you must walk slowly – perhaps even holding your hand up in front of the flame to protect it from the wind. 

Walking by candlelight forces you to slow down.  This gentler pace allows you to see what is illuminated as you take each step a little more carefully and a little more intentionally. 

Walking at the speed of candlelight is a gift – an invitation to pause and pay attention to what is right around you instead of rushing ahead to the next destination. At times, you may even need to take action to protect the flame so that it isn’t blown out by the winds of seasonal hustle & bustle.

I pray that the candles of this year’s Advent wreath will be an invitation to walk at the speed of candlelight – to slow down and pay attention to what is illuminated around us. Sometimes our light shines on injustice that calls us to compassionate action. Sometimes it shines on joy that sparks celebration and laughter. Sometimes it shines on suffering that opens our hearts to our shared humanity. Sometimes it shines on peaceful pauses in our daily routines.

Blessings to you, dear ones, as we journey together by the light of the Advent candles toward the manger where we await the birth of the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World, God with us.  

O come, o come Emmanuel…