When I learned this year’s Advent theme is Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All, I couldn’t help but smile. As I write this, it’s mid-October and 85 degrees outside. In case you weren’t aware, St. Luke’s begins planning for Christmas long before Starbucks breaks out the pumpkin spice. With All Church Christmas parties at both campuses, concerts, blizzard boxes, Advent Festivals, children’s choirs, and many, many, many services, there seems to be little peace until the last candle is extinguished and the final chorus of Silent Night fades away.

I have always loved the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, but as the years have gone by, I have realized how deeply my soul is touched by the majestic nighttime sky. For centuries, the stars have helped to light up the sky at night and have been used to help travelers find their way. They symbolize hope, guidance, and eternity.