More lights
Bishop Julius C. Trimble advocates for lighting more, not fewer, candles during Advent as signs of hope. (Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash)
Advent is a time for anticipation and preparation. Advent, from the Latin word adventus, means “coming.” As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are invited to embrace worship traditions that remind us that we are disciples of the One foretold in Micah and Isaiah—Jesus, who was introduced in the Gospels as the One who comes to bring light, peace, and love.
A letter was sent to clergy and congregations from the office of Diversity, Missions and Justice Ministries inviting churches to stand in solidarity with Christians in Bethlehem. Lights that are normally lit in the birthplace of Jesus will remain unlit this year in memory of those who have been killed in their current conflict. This was conveyed by the Methodist office in Jerusalem via the General Board of Global Ministries.
The invitation specifically asked churches not to light the second advent candle that is often referred to as the Bethlehem Candle. It is important to remember that there are Christians in Bethlehem today. The deaths of innocent Israelis, Palestinians, and others have brought painful disruption in the land we call holy. We are called to be ambassadors of hope and messengers of peace as we prepare to celebrate the One who is the Prince of Peace.
As your bishop, I would invite you to light every candle on the wreath and consider lighting more candles as you lift prayers for people and areas where peace has been disrupted all over the world. In our home this year, we will light more candles rather than fewer because there are so many places that the light of peace is needed.
To quote one of our pastors, “The world and the Church need more light, not less.” We need more light and peace in Indiana and in every corner of the world.
“A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6 (CEB)
Be encouraged as we pray for peace and commit to the work of peacemaking.
Bishop Trimble 2022
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Bishop Julius C. Trimble serves as resident bishop of the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. This post is republished from the bishop's email message to the conference.