From the RectorDear Friends, Advent is widely known as a season of waiting. I, myself, did not grow up in a tradition that observed the season, so I never even heard of it, not even the kitschy countdown calendars, until I was an adult. Perhaps now, with more targeted marketing, more children are eager to get their hands on a piece of chocolate every day for a month--I know I would have been! Not to fear, though, my grandmother's kitchen during the holiday season would have made the Keebler elves blush. While there is certainly an aspect of anticipation to this season, there is also a proactive angle as well. We have only to look at the collects for the four weeks to see the theme taking shape. In essence, our instructions are: to forsake darkness and embrace the light; to heed the warnings of the prophets and forsake sin; to recognize our sinfulness and dependence on God's abundant grace; and to be purified so that our souls may at last be dwelling places of God. In this time of growing darkness, it is important for us to take seriously and prayerfully the promise of the coming of Christ. While the revels begin and our earthly homes are decked with holly, let us also remember to ready our souls to receive the newborn king. Blessings,
Father Rick
|
