Love

Love is the focus this fourth week of Advent.

Love is the light in the darkness.

I grew up in churches hearing pastors explain the meaning of “agape,” the Greek word in the New Testament used to signify the love of God for humans and humans sharing that love with one another. I grew up singing the words: “Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in his sight.” So, to me, we humans are meant to share love and light with all.

Love is acceptance of difference. My father’s participation in Rotary International helped me learn about people when he hosted visiting Rotarians from other countries in our home. He taught by example, illustrating the value in learning from people from different cultures, religions and geographies. As I live in the autism community, I was so happy to see the PBS Weekend interview with Temple Grandin, sharing news of inclusion of her portrait in the National Portrait Gallery. After Temple was diagnosed with autism at age four over seventy years ago, Temple’s mother rejected medical advice to send her “different” daughter to an institution. Temple’s mother illustrated acceptance of people who think differently by creating an environment for Temple to learn and grow. Temple Grandin uses her visual thinking skills to share knowledge in the fields of post-secondary education, animal husbandry and autism advocacy. She brings light and illustrates love for one another.

Love is helping people get through the tragedy of the Eaton fire that destroyed their town. Folks in Altadena, California, have organized to help neighbors connect with resources, find new homes and rebuild their community. Going beyond sharing links to online connections, these community advocates physically helped residents actually complete applications for resources as explained in an interview with NPR Saturday Weekend Edition broadcast.

Love is making community connections after hurricane floods destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods in western North Carolina. The huge area of damage was a vast darkness visible from space. Recovery has been long and challenging for residents in the valleys and mountains. Local, state and federal resources are helping to fund reconstruction and bring light back into people’s lives.

Now, we’re living in a time of literal darkness as we experience the longest night of the year. Many are living through darkness of different challenges - whether physical, mental or spiritual. Years ago, in my Sunday School class during Advent, we read a small collection of essays entitled Watch for the Light. The reading for today, December 21, was written by German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He reminded us “…that our whole life is Advent…waiting for a time when there will be a new heaven and new earth, when all people are brothers and sisters…”

While I wait, I’m “holding everyone in the Light,” as my Quaker friend says. Please look for the Light and share love with one another.