DECEMBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

A meaningful Advent pilgrimage to all my tender readers!

Here at “The Mill” the Advent candles have been carefully prepared and each window has a single candle as a silent witness to this four-week vigil. In short, both the inside and outside of this Vortex, referred to as “The Mill” have received a “trimming up” *** as we say in the old-fashioned Maine way. The Newfield Community Church is arrayed in Sarum Blue Paraments crafted from a glorious tablecloth found at Goodwill for only $5. In addition, simple wreaths and a variety of greens grace the sanctuary and giant purple candles thrown out by another church have received the “Unkul Petah” spray paint treatment and have been pressed into holy service once again, this time in Sarum Blue. Here is a photo of this transformed sacred space.

During Advent we are called to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” This involves making a conscious choice in how we live—shedding behaviors like jealousy, conflict, and self-indulgence, and instead we are called to emulate Jesus the Christ. The relationship we have in Jesus the Christ demands a transformed lifestyle, an active preparation of our hearts and minds. Yes, this means to be vigilant even when we are quite cross and could easily choose to activate our road rage shadow side.

Therefore, this advent let us walk in the light and teachings of the Jesus the Christ, being awakened from any spiritual slumber and bamboozlement. Let us beat our metaphorical swords of anger, resentment, and conflict into plowshares of kindness, reconciliation, and service. Finally, as we walk in the light and teaching of Jesus the Christ may the old condemnations of ourselves and others be put to rest!

On this first day of Advent and throughout this expectant season, may the God of hope, peace, joy and love fill your imagination with the fulfillment of her sure and trustworthy promises. Do keep watch, stay ready, and live with an expectant heart, for the Christ Child is coming.

As always, Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo: Advent 1 at the Newfield Community Church – Petah