Advent Wisdom from Thomas Merton

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

We are supposed to be the light of the world.  We are supposed to be a light to ourselves and to others.  That may well be what accounts for the fact that the world is in darkness!  What then is meant by the light of Christ in our lives?  What is meant by "holiness?"

If we are called by God to holiness of life, and if holiness is beyond our natural power to achieve (which it certainly is) then it follows that God must give us the light, the strength, and the courage to fulfill the task.

   Thomas Merton, Life and Holiness

I use this prayer from Companions in Christ as a communal acknowledgment of God's sustaining presence:     
Light of Christ, shine on our path and lead us to the heart of God!