#2
I was surprised to discover that the four spiritual emotions of happiness, spoken of in Part I of this book, corresponded to the names that are often given to the four candles in the Christian Advent wreath. The candles are lit in a progression that usually begins with the candle of Hope on the first Sunday of Advent. One more candle is lit on the second, third, and fourth Sundays. The order of the candles may vary, but I’m familiar with the progression of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
Here are four abbreviated passages from the King James Bible that kept recurring in my mind as I began to work on this book. They gave me the idea about the four spiritual emotions of happiness.
Hope
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; … Isaiah 40:31
Love
He restoreth my soul: ... Psalm 23:3
Joy
Delight thyself also in the Lord, … Psalm 37:4
Peace
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: ... Isaiah 26:3
After I noticed the connection to the Advent Wreath, I became thoroughly delighted with this foursome. I tried matching them to the four seasons of the year and even to the four-part progression of the day: sunrise, daytime, sunset, and nighttime.
- Spring is the season of hope. We turn over the cold soil and plant seeds. Harsh branches give way to soft buds. Nature bursts into life.
- Summer is the season of love. We savor each day and time slows down. Flowers spill profusely over their pots. Nature bestows abundantly.
- Autumn is the season of joy. We gather in the harvest and give thanks. Trees dance with color in the breeze. Nature revels in brilliance.
- Winter is the season of peace. We light candles and snuggle by the fire. Snow falls in hushed splendor. Nature falls asleep.
Sunrise:
With the dawn, comes hope for new possibilities.
Daytime:
In the full light of day, love gives meaning to all we do.
Sunset:
As the light fades, we remember with grateful joy.
Nighttime:
In the quiet of night, peace rests upon us.
Next: #3 of Appendix
Everyday Food and Faith by Vicki Arkens
