O Adonai, and leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush,
and gave him the law of Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

The Path of Waiting

Today I went looking for some Advent pillar candles, and some sort of poster I could use in the Meditation Chapel for an Advent theme. Silly me. After going to four stores and being battered by every variety of Christmas muzak, I finally gave up, and came back to the peace and quiet of my office. I discovered once again that Advent is not part of our culture any more. Advent calls for watchful waiting, and that is something most of us prefer to avoid.

I know that waiting is difficult – I don’t like it much myself. But I need it. I need the path of waiting in order to prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord. If I don’t take in Advent, I will be shouting “Bah Humbug” with the best of the Scrooges, as life becomes increasingly busier; as undone shopping piles up; as the Red and Green commercialism overtakes me.

The act of waiting is a part of life, whether we like it or not. We wait in line shopping. We wait on the interstate when traffic piles up. We wait to hear test results of many kinds. We wait at the bedside of a sick loved one. Waiting is never easy. But it often frames our world and our relationships.

And while the temptation at this time of year is to forge ahead to Christmas, the opportunity for watchful, prayerful waiting can make a big difference in our lives.

We have a choice as to how seriously we take this “pre-Christmas” season of Advent. We can basically ignore it and go about our business, and arrive at Christmas day having forgotten what the Incarnation is about, or we can be intentional about our practice of Advent. This year there are several opportunities for Advent to be part of our lives. There will be bookmarks coming out in the Bulletins on Sunday that have scripture readings for every day of Advent. Our children will receive Advent Calendars with suggestions of family activities. We will gather to make Advent Wreaths next Sunday evening at 5:00. And there will be an Advent Quiet Day on December 9th – a day to stop activity, step back, take a deep breath, and be refreshed for the road ahead.

Lord, you are coming and will not delay.
You will bring every hidden hope to light
And reveal yourself in these secret inspirations.
Lead us into the wilderness and have pity on us.
- C. Stuhlmueller

Debra’s Midweek Meditation

"The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice, and righteousness in the land."
Jeremiah 33:14-15

This Sunday we begin the waiting time known as Advent. This word, Advent, means "coming", so we hear stories and prophecies about the coming realm of God.
Jeremiah's prophecy comes to the people at a time of despair, and on the brink of exile.
Jeremiah reminds the people that God's promises are not empty but waiting to be fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the people are to live in hope and trust.
It is the practice of hope that brings hope into reality;
And the prayer of trust which grows the trusting heart.

We hear these words of Jeremiah's as Advent begins and so our eyes are turned toward the star in heaven as we await the birth of Jesus. Jesus is to be not just a babe born in a manger but the sign of the kingdom "coming" near. The story of Christ's birth is not a sentimental recounting of marvels and wonders but a revelation of God's desire to be at one with God's people. Jesus is a babe of righteousness and justice.

Only the Son of God can hold so much in such a small body.
Only God can sing so deep a silence in such a noisy world.
Only God can love so much that he comes near-
with all that means-
the risks and the joys.

This is the God we are now waiting upon.
Blessings,
Debra

Daily Morning Prayer:
http://www.episcopalchurchingarrettcounty.org/churchonthewebpage.htm

All-powerful God,
Increase our strength of will for doing good
That Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
And call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
Where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
One God, for ever and ever.
- From “The Liturgy of the Hours.”

This Week at St. James:

Friday: 3:30 Memorial Service for Clinton Pitts; 5:30 SJA Harmonators sing at Townsontown Mall
Saturday: 11:00 Funeral for Betty Gelston
Sunday: 9:00 Youth Liturgy ; 10:15 Youth Breakfast; 5:00 Advent Soup Supper and Wreath making
Monday: 10:00 CS Lewis Book Study resumes
Wednesday: 8:30 Healing Eucharist' 9:30 Bible Study and Prayer Shawl ministry.

Other events for the keeping of Advent:

Dec. 2: 12:00 noon Labyrinth Walk at the Cathedral
"Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord" Isaiah 2:5b.
You are welcome to come to the Labyrinth on December 2 from 12 noon - 2 p.m. in the undercroft at The Cathedral of the Incarnation. Jared Denhard returns with his harp. What a wonderful way to pray your way into Advent! Join us at 12 noon for opening prayers. Closing circle will be at 2 p.m. You are welcome to come any time between 12 and 2. A slow walk takes about 20-30 minutes so plan to arrive before 1:30 p.m. No charge but a donation to continue such programs will be accepted.

Dec. 2: 7:30 Bach’s Magnificat at Kennard-Dale High School
(performed by the combined voices of the North Harford acapella Choir, and the Maryland Conservatory Chorale. 393 Main St. Fawn Grove, PA.

December 15: 8 pm “Messiah” by Candlelight.
St. Anne's Parish, Annapolis and the Annapolis Chorale – “The Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and guest soloists join in this holiday tradition that celebrates the Nativity. The concert includes Part 1 (the Christmas portion) of “Messiah” followed by carols for the Nativity. Tickets: $32/adults; $12/students. Call 410-280-5640 or visit www.mdhallarts.org. ($2 per ticket service charge.) Group rates available.

Prayers Etc.

For those on our prayer list:
Brittany; Bill and Stacey; Lieb and Carlyn; Owen
Jaedon; Jen; Pam; Donny; Dot; Sue
Ray; Andrew; Art W.; David
For Laura and Lyle
For those who are deployed and their families.
For the repose of the souls of Marie Stewart, Clinton Pitts, and Betty Gelston and their families who mourn.

Father in heaven,
Our hearts desire the warmth of your love
And our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
Increase our longing for Christ our Savior
And give us the strength to grow in love,
That the dawn of his coming
May find us rejoicing in his presence,
And welcoming the light of his truth.
- From the “Liturgy of the Hours”

In Closing:

To God our Father, who has given us the grace to wait in joyful hope for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us make our prayer:
Show us your mercy, Lord.

Sanctify us in mind and body
Keep us without sin until the coming of your Son.
Make us walk this day in holiness,
And live upright and devout lives in the world.
May we be clothed in our Lord Jesus Christ,
And filled with the Holy Spirit.
Lord, help us to stand watchful and ready,
Until your son is revealed in all his glory.

Pax et Bonum,
Loree+

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