Today was the first Sunday in advent - the first day of the new church year, and it felt indeed like a new beginning.  I always love advent, and particularly, lighting the candle for hope, as we did today.  As the hymn we sang today goes "hope is a star".  As Karen said in her sermon - hope is the beginning from which love, peace, and joy, can grow.  It all begins with hope.  This reminds me of a quote I like: "He that lives in hope danceth without music." - George Herbert.  As the song goes, I hope you dance.

Maranatha!

Rebecca B.