This year's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service was held outdoors in our Peace Garden to allow for safe social distancing. Even though the environment might have been different, the carols, readings, and focus on the 12 Powers continued to reflect tradition. The serene ambience thanks to our Christmas decoration light, the lumineria, and the 12 Power candles allowed for a unique experience.

For this fourth Advent, Rev. Jean-Marie reflects on the topic of Joy and how the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ offers a direct pathway to a joyful life no matter what the circumstance. Beyond the joy of the Savior being born, we can learn to save ourselves by recognizing the many opportunities with which we are gifted every day to allow true Joy to arise in our hearts and minds.

For the third Advent, Rev. Jean-Marie is approaching the topic of Love, which is always in the air, or otherwise considered in the ether. Once we recognize that Love is always around us, we realize our ability to always use it, whenever we can think of it.