The "Angel" Candle

This past Sunday night - right on time, mind you - we lit the fourth Advent Candle.

This was a special time because we got to share our Advent Candle lighting with some special friends. They have corresponding kids - the daughters of each family are 2 months and 2 days apart in age; the sons are 1 month and 1 day apart. So we've shared a lot of common experiences.

With this week's candle, we remembered the angels that God used to deliver His messages about that first Christmas. They brought good news.

The people in the story, were found in a variety of endeavors: Zacharias was just doing his job, serving in ministry. Mary was in a solitary place, maybe sitting in her humble home when Gabriel appeared to her. Joseph was asleep when Gabriel came his way. The shepherds were just putting in another weary night on the job.

With the exception of the shepherds, all were in solitude. And the point could be argued that even though the shepherds were around their colleagues and their charges, they were still alone.

We talked about how God speaks to people: in prayer, through His Word, in visions, through other people.

We remembered that God can speak to us in a variety of ways and at a variety of times. We have but to be listening and then obeying.