This Season of Advent points to and invites us into the meaning of the days of the season that follow. And this season, of course, is a gift that points beyond itself, to the great, solemn Christmas celebration, the Nativity of Our Lord.
As announced in last week’s bulletin, there will be a special celebration of Advent one evening each week, but on different evenings so that we might be able to welcome “everyone,” even if you have a commitment each week on one evening in particular. This week I will lead a celebration of Evening Prayer, or Vespers. We will gather in the church on Monday to begin at 6:30 PM. This gathering in prayer from the Scriptures, especially the Psalms, has formed a strong “leg of the chair” of the Church’s prayer through the centuries. It took its current form from the prayer throughout the day in the great monasteries of Europe. This communion in prayer has been brought further into the life and ministry of clergy and vowed religious in houses of active community ministry and in the lives of those who have consecrated their lives to God and to the Church. The books needed for this form of community prayer, Christian Prayer, have been provided for our use through a generous, personal, and anonymous gift.
“We eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!” Phil 3:20 Evening Prayer, Monday of the First Week of Advent
How we wait is at the heart of our Church’s Season of Advent. Making lists and checking them twice, digging out the necessary recipes and decorations can have great meaning for us. These things and their associated activities can contribute to how we will embrace the wonder and meaning of Christmas, but all the more so when they do truly draw us to the heart of the Mystery. Please make sure that’s on your list!