The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. - Isaiah 9:2

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We were so disappointed that the African American History & Culture Museum in Washington DC was not open when we were there during the Sabbatical. It was originally going to be - but the opening date was delayed several months. Drats! We so wanted to be there in its inaugural months.

We did, however, get to walk around the MLK, Jr monument again. (One of the surprising things to me when I first saw it was just how white it is!)

It is such a priceless blessing to walk around the monument with teems of people. There is something so awesome and inspiring to be among people who share a spirit and commitment to compassion, peace and justice.           

                                            

This reflection of MLK, Jr on the interplay of light and dark is important as we continue to ignite an additional Advent candle each week on the path to Christmas Eve - the night when we, celebrating the arrival of the Light of the World, will each carry a piece of the Christ light encircling our sanctuary.

"Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can't murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can't establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that.... Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." - Martin Luther King Jr

[https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/learn/quotations.htm - all of the engraved quotes at the monument]

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Light cannot enter a dark room without illumining it.  - Matshona Dhliwayo

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Holy One , as we light another candle in our Advent Wreath this morning, may we find new ways to bring more light into our hearts, conversations and world. Amen.