Meditation Moment ~ Have an Epiphany! '24

For Saturday, January 6, 2024, Feast of the Epiphany: Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6,

 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

   Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. [Isaiah 60:1, 3] 

   For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper. 

[Psalm 72:12]

   Of this gospel I have become a servant accord to the gift of God’s grace…This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. [Ephesians 3:7a,11-12]

    In the time of King Herod...wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." ... Herod...sent them to Bethlehem...When they saw that the star had stopped they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother...and...they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. [Matthew 2:1-2, 8a, 10-12]   

     EPIPHANY IS BIG! It brings us a bright shiny and HOLY Revelation. It IS the continuing and the expanding of the celebration of the birth of our Messiah, and His importance to us all! But perhaps we are worn down after the four weeks of anticipation in Advent, the hustle and bustle of preparation for gifts and food and gatherings, the familiar rush of the time of year, followed by the pageantry and the glorious music, and then the usual “let down.” Perhaps Epiphany has become an anti-climax, the end of the story, the time to take down the decorations (if anyone actually waits that long anymore). Yet it is in truth a beginning. We open new chapters of the Story that will take us from Jesus the Baby, to Christ our Redeemer. While we celebrate the birthday with great fanfare, the Epiphany moves us into the reason for which this Child was born of a woman, the revelation of God’s eternal purpose is upon us. A “theophany” then ~ the manifestation of God visible to humans ~ a re-discovery now. One definition of “epiphany” is “a sudden insight or intuitive understanding.”

     At the Nativity of Jesus, Luke tells us that the angels appeared to the shepherds who received the good news of great joy, but Luke never mentions the Magi. Matthew never mentions the shepherds or even the birth itself except for a brief phrase: "...until she had borne a son; and he [Joseph] named him Jesus." But Matthew did tell us of the "...wise men from the East..." They saw a great star revealing to them the need for a journey to pay homage to a new born king of the Jews. Herod gets involved and we begin to see the ominous cloud moving in to shadow the glorious star. But having heard this story so very many times perhaps we need to hear it or read it again? Have we tuned out rather than engaging with the experience? Can we be re-awakened to the wonder and ponder what it could possibly mean for each of us in our own time? What sudden insight or understanding might come?  

    These three “Kings” who weren’t likely kings but rather astrologers and astronomers. Possibly, as they have been called, they were Magi, priests of Zoroastrianism from ancient Persia, who saw a sign to follow in the famous star. Traveling a thousand or more miles from the “east,” their journey would likely have taken months, not days, and they would have had an entourage carrying food, tents, supplies, etc. At last they found King Herod to tell him, and us all, of the significance, power, and majesty this Child brings. And at last they found Him and presented him with their gifts ~ but what of those gifts and their foretelling?

    Gold is symbolic of Christ as King while Frankincense speaks to His Divinity. And then the Myrrh, its bitter perfume, breathes a life of gathering gloom, a medicinal spice used often in those times to anoint the dead. Kingship, Divinity, Foreboding...

    And as the Magi left by another road, we learn in later verses not read on this day, that Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus fled to Egypt, while Herod murdered male children trying to kill the One. The Holy Family didn’t return until after Herod’s death.

    Today is another turning point in The Story, an ending and a beginning. In the compression of time given in the Gospels and the Church calendar, it is a short season indeed before we begin the unfolding of the ministry, miracles, teaching, execution, and resurrection of Jesus. It is time again to rediscover the astonishment, the amazement, the true adoration in this event. 

     Read the story as if for the very first time ~ know that we have been given an extraordinary gift, Christ, Our Lord, has been born to us! Let us be overwhelmed with joy! Let us search diligently for the child within us and around us. Epiphany is the time to seek the Magi-cal gifts in my own life that call me to pay homage, follow, and live into the light and life of Christ in boldness and confidence through faith in him. Arise, shine; for your light has come! Have an EPIPHANY every single day!

Click on or copy the link for the Robert Shaw Chorale with We Three Kings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZOGTPsxng

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: New Day, New Year, New Spirit ~ First Sunday after the Epiphany '24 Yr B

For Sunday, January 10, 2021, Readings: Genesis: 1-5, Ps 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11

   In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light...And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day. [Genesis 1:1-3, 5b]

  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness...The LORD shall give strength to his people; the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace. [Psalm 29:2, 11]

  Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them... [Acts 19:4-5, 6a]

    In those days Jesus came from Nazareth...and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." [Mark 1:9-11]

   How fitting it seems in our still New Year with the reading from Genesis 1 about Creation's First Day, with light overcoming darkness and wind across the waters. Then the Gospel of Mark gives us a brief mention of the baptism of Jesus which is considered the First Day for his official ministry, with the Holy Spirit arriving as a Dove and the Voice of God proclaiming Jesus as God's Son. Paul, in Acts, is questioning some disciples he encountered and asked them about their baptism which was by John the Baptizer. He baptized them again in the name of Jesus bestowing the Holy Spirit in his laying on of hands

    Baptism is a First ritual or sacrament that many think of as an entry point into the Church for babies, toddlers, teens, and adults, and yet, has many varied practices across the breadth of Christianity. For some denominations it is an obligating sacrament, for others a rite of initiation and adoption into the Christian faith, some require it to participate in certain rituals of worship, or reception into a specific sect, and deemed less important by others. Many believe that infant Baptism is necessary whenever possible, many others do not. Some may offer it to older children or teens and adults for admission into a particular congregation whether or not one has been baptized elsewhere. And as many reasons for it, opposed to it, or neutral, there are many ways to achieve it. 

    With water considered a channel for holiness, baptism can be accomplished in the following  ways: aspersion (sprinkling), affusion (pouring), or immersion (total or partial, standing or kneeling, or complete submersion). And for those who find themselves wishing they had been baptized but were not for whatever reason, some believe that there is the Baptism of Desire ~ that is, if you want it, you have it. In Mark's Gospel and from Paul in the reading from Acts, through faith in Jesus, baptism brings the Holy Spirit upon us. 

    We are called by Jesus to follow Him, officially baptized or not, and so we start again at the beginning of this new year with the symbolic beginning of the ministry of Jesus. The words of an old Negro Spiritual say it best. God will trouble the water ~ stir it up ~ so we can see the right place to enter the path: 

Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children,
Wade in the water
God's a-goin' to trouble the water

Look over yonder, what do you see?
God's a-goin' to trouble the water
The Holy Ghost a-coming on me
God's a-goin' to trouble the water

    From the waters of Creation, to the waters of Birth and Baptism, Christ is our bridge over waters troubled and calm and it is He who comes to set our souls ablaze with the infusion of the Holy Spirit. Whether baptized by water, desire, or faith, before now or not, it is time to renew our faith and our ministry again. Come on in, this "water" is fine! Let us bathe in the Light of Christ and the Fire of the Holy Spirit! Welcome to another refreshing, revitalizing, and rededicating of faith and joy in Christ, in this moment, in this New Day, New Year, and New Spirit.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Almighty Creator, in the Beginning, You brought forth light from the formless void and darkness on the First Day of Your Creation. From the waters of Birth and Baptism, Jesus came as our new Beginning, a radiant light to dispel the shadows in our souls. Let this be a new First Day, as we accept Baptism in the power of the Holy Spirit, by answering the call to seek and serve Christ in others and ourselves.

                                                   Spirit of the Living God                                                      

RESPONSE:             Fall afresh on us all

~ Almighty Creator, strengthen us to carry Your voice over the troubled waters of political oppression, injustice, and greed. Give us the words to speak of compassion, and humanity, to be heard and cause positive action in the halls of government throughout this Earth, in our Country, and in our Cities and Towns. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                     Spirit of the Living God

                                                     Fall afresh on us all                        

~ Almighty Creator, calm the hearts and minds of all who are unsettled by illness, physical challenge, or addiction, and bring rest to those who provide for their comfort. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all 

~ Almighty Creator, we treasure and celebrate all who have gone ahead and are now risen in the beauty of holiness in Your eternal life. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all 

~ Almighty Creator, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

~ Almighty Creator, refresh and grant special blessings to all who lead us in Your church, as we journey together seeking Your holy will. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all 

The Celebrant adds:  Holy Lord of Power and Glory, release us from the turbulence of the doubt and fear we allow within us, and guide us to a new dawn of faith and hope, quenching our spiritual thirst in the living waters of Christ’s Baptism. We ask this through Jesus, Your Beloved Son; and the Holy Spirit, the Ignition and Fuel of our faith; who together with You reign as One God, now and forever.  Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Yesterday, Today, and Every Tomorrow ~ First Sunday after Christmas '23 Year B

For Sunday, December 31 2023, Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147, 

Galatians 3:23-25; 4-4-7; John 1:1-18

For the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up...For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest... [Isaiah 61:11a; 62:1a]

    He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds...The LORD lifts up the lowly, but casts the wicked to the ground. [Psalm 147:3, 6]

       But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law...So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. [Galatians 4:4, 7]

     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God...What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it...The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [John 1:1-2, 3b-5, 17]

        The Gospel of John has marked differences from the other three Gospels which are known as the Synoptic Gospels because of their similarities to each other. John's emphasis might be thought of as more "theological" and contains material not in the other three and, in some cases, seemingly contradicting them and with some passages thought of as anti-Semitic. But the beauty, for me, of the mysterious opening, known as the Prologue, is something to linger with and ponder. Jesus, the Word, was with God, and the Word was God...The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 
        The Word comes from the Greek, logos, and is usually defined as Jesus, in theological terms. [Theos comes from the Greek for God, theology is the study of God] Once we understand Who the Word is, then the Prologue [John 1:1] may be more easily comprehended in verse 14: the Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the face of God, was with God from the beginning, and was sent to be among us to make God and God's will known to the world. 
        In the 4th century, St. Athanasius said of Jesus, He became what we are that he might make us what he is. Paul tells us in Galatians that Jesus is faith revealed by God. Those who followed Jesus in his time and who influenced others who came after, have all tried to instruct us in ways to be more like our Christ, our Messiah. This Child, just born, is God's promise, God's Word, with flesh, blood, and a beating heart, like us, and that I can grasp and almost understand. Yet the mystery of God endures, for if we do think we fully understand God, Jesus, and the Spirit ~ the Triune God, the Holy Trinity ~ then our god is too small. 
        As the Church year unfolds, we will enjoy the ageless story of the Epiphany and proceed soon after to be led through the woes of Lent and into the Passion of Holy Week, until the glorious Resurrection. In the meantime, let us savor this moment of Great Birth, and through all the days to come let us know in heart, soul, and mind that our Redeemer lives: with us, in us, and through us. If we relinquish ourselves to steadfast faith, however difficult in difficult times, and allow ourselves to be open and accepting, we will know Jesus as the Light in our hearts that darkness cannot overcome. We begin, again and still and always, from all yesterdays to today and in every tomorrow, to welcome Jesus, the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, the Word of all Words, as we, too, are re-born, refreshed, and filled with joy.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, into this fullness of time You have sent our Messiah, woman-borne, to redeem us as Your own children. Let us rejoice with our whole beings, as heirs of Your eternal Kingdom, justified by faith, and proclaiming Christ’s grace and truth.                                                   

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, with the Spirit of the Son that You have sent into our hearts, let us not keep silent. Grant us courage to speak without ceasing to lawful governments and to those who are or would be vengeful despots until righteousness, peace, and mercy prevail across our Earth, across our Country, and across our Communities, great and small. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, refresh the bodies, hearts, and souls and give hope to all who suffer serious illness, despair, or fear, and to all who give love and support. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, help us to exchange the darkness of grief for the celebration of all who have gone ahead to live again, now fully complete in the radiant joy of Your eternal life. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we give You gracious thanksgiving for those entrusted to bring us Your Word and Sacraments. Fill us all with the unwavering faith to walk together as constant witnesses of Christ Jesus, our Saving Lord. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

The Celebrant adds: Holy Triune God: Lord, Word, and Spirit, we are created by You to be Your fertile soil in this world. Let us each by, word and example, sow seeds of forgiveness, hope, and salvation, in grace upon grace, now and in the Life to come. We ask through Jesus, Your Word Made Flesh; the Holy Spirit, Your Sacred Breath; and our Omnipotent Creator, who together, reign as One God, now and forever.  Amen. 
 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day '23 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24 and Monday December 25, 2023, Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

   The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. [Isaiah 9:2]

   Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. Sing to the Lord and bless his name; proclaim the good new of his salvation from day to day. [Psalm 96:1-2]

    The grace of God appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions... [Titus 2:11-12a]

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"  [Luke 2:13-14]

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
[from The Nicene Creed, US Book of Common Prayer, p. 358] 

       The time is now, because of and in spite of these days of darkness, worry, fear, and anguish, to remember how to feel the Excitement, the Joy, the Wonder, the Thrill of Christmas AGAIN! Jesus Christ is born today! It’s time ~ re-awaken the Spirit within, remember the Reason it begins, open to a new spiritual start, a fresh opportunity. It's time ~ NOW, to push into the unknown, painfully, frighteningly, but with great anticipation to experience our own birth, again, into a New Creation in Christ.

       We each carry the fertile seed, the Divine Spark within us ~ Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Atheist, Agnostic, Oblivious, Naughty, or Nice. We each choose how the Spark drives us ~ we tend, nurture, anticipate or ignore, abuse, or perhaps deny that innermost part of ourselves. But now, what was is gone. As with infants, we move into new light, new sound, uncertainty, anxiety, and every day is a new beginning. Even if we have tried before, distraction, disinterest, life circumstances may have stopped our momentum. Yet we, too, are called as part of the Good Tidings of Great Joy that is Christ the Lord!

       We are the Reason he was born to us. Let the Joy and Peace of now begin with me and let me, with you, carry Christ forward into this Day, into our everyday lives every day, into all the Earth we inhabit.  The Great Light in the Darkness has come!

                                                               It's time! Hallelujah!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, You come at last, filled with grace and truth. Let our joy be unbounded for the arrival of our Glorious Child, One in Being with God and the Holy Spirit, who redeems and claims us for the work of Heaven on Earth.

                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!                                   

RESPONSE:         Grant Peace on Earth to Us All               

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, grant us energy and courage to give continuous voice to Your truth in all places of political, elected, and authoritarian power throughout this World, this Nation, and this Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!

                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All  

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, we ask You who were homeless as you entered this world, to enfold all who are homeless, hungry, sick, and downhearted, that they may feel Your loving embrace on this Day of Days and always. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!

                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All      

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, lift up our hearts in the joy and the hope of the Love that never ends, as we remember and celebrate all who have left the woes of this earthly plain to live forever, deep in the heart of God. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!

                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All      

~ O Holy Jesus, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!

                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All            

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, continue to excite the hearts of all who lead us in Your Church, with imagination and inspiration. Guide all our hearts to rebirth in a Spirit-filled life in Your service. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!

                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All       

The Celebrant adds: Most High Lord Jesus, the Word, the Imprint, the Incarnate Grace of God sent to live among us, we sing to You a new song of rejoicing. Let each breath we take draw You into ourselves, that we may give out Your glory and praise in all that we are, and all that we do. Guide us, guard us, goad us to live into Your divine will. We ask through You, Prince of Peace; and through the Holy Spirit, our Compass; who together with our Mighty Creator from the beginning, live and reign as one God, now and forever. Amen. 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Will You Notice? ~ 4th Sunday of Advent RCL Part 2 '23 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24, 2023, Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle 15/Song of Mary - Luke 1:46-55, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38

Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you. [2 Samuel 7:3]

          My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; for he has looked with favor upon his lowly servant. [Canticle 15, Song of Mary/Luke 1:46-48]

    ...the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! [Romans 16:25b-26]

      The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And...you will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus...For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." [Luke 1:26-38]

    It’s especially difficult this year to think about the 4^th Sunday of Advent as it falls on the day of Christmas Eve. Many will ignore this last Advent Sunday morning Church service completely as the afternoon, evening, and/or late services will be better attended. But if you take a breath and stop for a moment this week, here are some thoughts about what our coming Christ-Mass is all about.  The wait, for many or most, is over and the final preparations are nearly complete. The excitement and sparkle of the lights and music and the results of holiday planning are at hand. Some may feel anxious about questions such as: do we have that thing, or the other thing, and the third thing? Is the wrapping done, do we have all the food? Yet there are a few questions that may have slipped our thoughts along the way such as who will be alone on Christmas, some perhaps for the first time in their long lives? And what about those who are suffering physically, emotionally, economically, and for other life-issues? Hopefully, some provision of money, food, other donation, or invitations have already been remembered and given but, there’s ALWAYS need and especially AFTER Christmas and New Year’s and other celebrations when the need is even greater and donations have diminished significantly.    

      First, acknowledging that it is Christmas Eve, here are a couple of extra questions to think about: how did we actually get to this celebration? Who decided THE date? While we know about the shepherds and choirs of angels, we have never heard how the people at the allegedly-filled Inn responded to all the ruckus in, around, and above that stable or cave or other theories about where it all happened. You’d think the whole town would have been intrigued about all the fuss. We’re told about those “wise men” following the star, left gifts and left town, and we’ve never been told about when they returned to their homeland. Did they tell anyone?

      Second, the other part of our reason for the season is that in the 4th century, the newly Christianized Emperor Constantine, appropriated the Winter Solstice festivals of the sun and other deities from pagan religious traditions ~ the Celts and Egyptians among others ~ for the wholly and holy Christian commemoration of Christ's birth. Perhaps he assumed that if they're going to party anyway, he would mandate a different reason. After all, none of the birth narratives in the Bible tell us a date or even a season when Jesus was born. December 25th became the official date for the celebration everywhere in the Church under Pope Julius I, not long after Constantine's decree. The December “Winter Solstice” only applies in the northern hemisphere as in the southern hemisphere it is the “Summer Solstice” and the date is generally December 22. But after well over 2 millennia, the whole world is accustomed to Christmas on December 25^th and for half our world it is the beginning of summer.

     Yet NOW, on this Sunday morning, it is STILL ADVENT. Today we light the candle of Love on the Advent Wreath as we light again the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy. This last Sunday of Advent is also a moment in Anglican-Episcopal theology to celebrate the crucial role of Mary in our Salvation ~ not merely as the Theotokos [theo-tow-kohs], God-Bearer, but more so because she "...found favor with God." [Luke 1:30a of The Song of Mary/Magnificat] She was chosen because this favor acknowledged her devotion, because she heard God's word and believed, because she was faith-filled and faithful. God’s call to her was to bear and deliver to us the fulfillment of God's ultimate Promise, Jesus, whom Paul says, is the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed. 

     The Love of God became human flesh through human pre-natal development and physical birth from a mother who would willingly accept her vocation and have some understanding of its meaning. The Angel Gabriel brought Mary the message of God’s call, as she, very young and certainly fearful of such an apparition and request, was still able to courageously ask How can this be? Mary would have known the story of her Hebrew people and likely some of the prophecies of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. She would likely have had a quick rush of emotion recognizing the importance and the trials of a mother of a great leader of faith for God’s people. She could have humbly refused. God offers a call yet never forces us to obey. Mary, most humbly, accepted.

     Third, we can discover what Christmas and Christ really mean to our everyday lives when we spend some time with ourselves. Dig deep and listen, examine the promises we have made in moments of true devotion and in times of crisis, the promises kept and the ones we meant to keep in the moment they were made. How do we allow Mary's example of Let it be with me according to your word to manifest in our lives? It is time to begin again to find the Christ within us and let his light shine through us; to believe again, or for the first time, the angel's words: For nothing will be impossible with God. 

     Within just this one day, we journey from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus our Christ, the Son who forever outshines the sun. Will you notice? Do not be afraid to stop, listen, think, and pray in hope, peace, joy, love, and faith for this lifetime journey!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

 Leader:  ~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, purify our souls and grant us the humility to live according to Your Word and Will. Awaken our hearts to be eager in child-like anticipation for the coming celebration of this Holy Infant, our Hope and our Redeemer. 

                                                 Gracious and Eternal God                                        

          RESPONSE:             Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust        

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, keep us vigilant, consistent, and insistent as we advocate constantly for the causes of compassion, peace, and cooperation among all who govern in our World, in our Nation, and in our Villages, Towns, and Cities. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, comfort and heal those who suffer with devastating illness, serious depression, or any life-limiting circumstance, and give respite to all who give love and support.  We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust      

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, release us all from fresh and remembered grief as our loved ones arise to boundless joy in everlasting life with You. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust           

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, grant continuing renewal and energy to all who have answered Your call in the model of Mary, and have inspired us by their example in faithfulness, worship, and pastoral care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

The Celebrant adds: O God of Love and Glory, detach us from earth-bound noise to listen deeply and experience the true Birth of Christ within and through us. Infuse us with the obedience of faith that will guide us and sustain us as we follow the path of our Messiah. We ask through the imminence of the Incarnate Christ, and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who together with You are One God, our Strength and our Salvation, forever and ever. Amen.

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