The Advent Candle: The Prophets and Hope
27/11/05
Today, we begin our four-week journey to Christmas. A time of quiet growth, eager preparation and joyful anticipation. Each week we will seek out this silent and holy spot amidst the increasing frenzy of a commercialized Christmas season where we may stop to contemplate and meditate and hope.
This first Sunday of Advent we kindle the Prophets' Candle, symbolizing Hope. The prophets of the Old Testament urge us to prepare for the coming of the Messiah who brings light to a darkened world. We gather together to watch and wait.
As we light the Prophets' Candle of Hope, we hear the echo of the prophet Isaiah: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." (Isaiah 9:2). The time of salvation is at hand; the Messiah is on his way...
"Almighty Father, thank you for sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to infuse us with your light. Help us remember that we are Children of Light and we are no longer a people who walk in darkness. Give us strength to follow the example of the prophets of old who were ready and expectant. Make yourself known to us during these Advent days that we may feel a keen awareness of the light of your son. Amen."
This first Sunday of Advent we kindle the Prophets' Candle, symbolizing Hope. The prophets of the Old Testament urge us to prepare for the coming of the Messiah who brings light to a darkened world. We gather together to watch and wait.
As we light the Prophets' Candle of Hope, we hear the echo of the prophet Isaiah: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." (Isaiah 9:2). The time of salvation is at hand; the Messiah is on his way...
"Almighty Father, thank you for sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to infuse us with your light. Help us remember that we are Children of Light and we are no longer a people who walk in darkness. Give us strength to follow the example of the prophets of old who were ready and expectant. Make yourself known to us during these Advent days that we may feel a keen awareness of the light of your son. Amen."
Quietly Awaiting…
20/11/05
Next Sunday we begin the season of Advent (from the Latin 'aventus,' meaining "awaiting" or "arrival"), lasting in the Western Church from the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day 'til Christmas Eve. We begin our Christian calendar year with Joseph and Mary "awaiting" on The First Sunday of Advent.
A season of penitence, of waiting, Advent marks this period of preparation for the celebration of the nativity; however, Advent has always contained an element of joyful anticipation of Christmas.
The liturgical color is purple (the color of penitence, also used during Lent), although in recent years blue has gained favor, a revival of the Sarum (Salisbury) Rite, which dates from medieval England.
With the view of directing the thoughts of to the first coming of Christ as Saviour, special lessons are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent, which are traditionally celebrated with four candles, representing the themes of hope, faith, joy, and peace. Usually on an Advent wreath, one candle is to be lit each Sunday.
In many countries, Advent was long marked by diverse popular observances, some of which still survive. In England there was a custom for poor women to carry round the "Advent images;" two dolls dressed to represent Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. A halfpenny was expected from every one to whom these were exhibited, and bad luck was to menace the household not visited by the doll-bearers before Christmas Eve.
A season of penitence, of waiting, Advent marks this period of preparation for the celebration of the nativity; however, Advent has always contained an element of joyful anticipation of Christmas.
The liturgical color is purple (the color of penitence, also used during Lent), although in recent years blue has gained favor, a revival of the Sarum (Salisbury) Rite, which dates from medieval England.
With the view of directing the thoughts of to the first coming of Christ as Saviour, special lessons are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent, which are traditionally celebrated with four candles, representing the themes of hope, faith, joy, and peace. Usually on an Advent wreath, one candle is to be lit each Sunday.
In many countries, Advent was long marked by diverse popular observances, some of which still survive. In England there was a custom for poor women to carry round the "Advent images;" two dolls dressed to represent Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. A halfpenny was expected from every one to whom these were exhibited, and bad luck was to menace the household not visited by the doll-bearers before Christmas Eve.
More Episcopajokes…
13/11/05
Jesus asked a group of Episcopal theologians "Who do you say that I am?" They replied, "You are the eschatological manifestation of the ground of our being, the kerygma of which we find the ultimate meaning in our interpersonal relationships..." And Jesus said, "What?"
What's the difference between a bishop and God? God doesn't think He's a bishop.
One day the See of Canterbury gets a phone call from God, who proceeds to tell the Archbishop that he has some good news and some bad news. "The good news," said God, "is that I have decided to unite the whole world under one religion... The bad news, is that I am calling from Salt Lake City."
Why are Episcopalians such lousy hymn singers? They're reading ahead to see if they agree with the next line.
Adam tells God that he's lonely. God says he will give him a companion. She will do everything for him; cook, wash, make him happy, and bring children. But it will cost him an arm and a leg. Adam says "An arm and a leg..? Uh, what can I get for just a rib?"
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light-bulb? "What? My mother gave that bulb to the church..!"
What's the difference between a bishop and God? God doesn't think He's a bishop.
One day the See of Canterbury gets a phone call from God, who proceeds to tell the Archbishop that he has some good news and some bad news. "The good news," said God, "is that I have decided to unite the whole world under one religion... The bad news, is that I am calling from Salt Lake City."
Why are Episcopalians such lousy hymn singers? They're reading ahead to see if they agree with the next line.
Adam tells God that he's lonely. God says he will give him a companion. She will do everything for him; cook, wash, make him happy, and bring children. But it will cost him an arm and a leg. Adam says "An arm and a leg..? Uh, what can I get for just a rib?"
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light-bulb? "What? My mother gave that bulb to the church..!"
The Angelic Hymn…
06/11/05
Gloria in Excelsis Deo, "Glory to God in the Highest," more properly known as the "Greater Doxology..." Often the very first prayer, or hymn, that we recite during our Sunday services, the Greater Doxology (also known as "The Angelic Hymn") is very likely the oldest hymn in Christendom.
The text "Gloria in Excelsis..." begins with the assurance sung by the angels at the Nativity we find in Luke 2:14 and continues with prose added to make a proper doxology (more on that later). Originally in Greek, forms of the Greater Doxology date to the late first century (Telesphorus, bishop of Rome, (128-139?), even ordered it sung at every Christmas). It's quite universal; recited during services by Orthodox, Roman, and many Protestant denominations.
In our Episcopal liturgy, the Greater Doxology is often used from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Epiphany; on Sundays from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost; on all the days of Easter Week; and on Ascension Day. It can be used at other times as desired; but it's not used during the penitential seasons of Advent or Lent (gotta love them rubrics).
So, if there's a Greater Doxology, there must be a Lesser Doxology, right? Right; "Gloria Patri," "Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now and forever, world without end. Amen." And, let's not forget the popular Common Doxology we sing every Sunday; the closing stanza of Thomas Ken's famous morning and evening hymns, beginning, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." sung to that most Anglican of tunes "Old Hundredth."
Oh, and just what is a "doxology," you ask..? A doxology is a short "formulaic ascription of praise to God addressed to each Person of the Holy Trinity in turn," usually phrased as in a hymn (poem).
The text "Gloria in Excelsis..." begins with the assurance sung by the angels at the Nativity we find in Luke 2:14 and continues with prose added to make a proper doxology (more on that later). Originally in Greek, forms of the Greater Doxology date to the late first century (Telesphorus, bishop of Rome, (128-139?), even ordered it sung at every Christmas). It's quite universal; recited during services by Orthodox, Roman, and many Protestant denominations.
In our Episcopal liturgy, the Greater Doxology is often used from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Epiphany; on Sundays from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost; on all the days of Easter Week; and on Ascension Day. It can be used at other times as desired; but it's not used during the penitential seasons of Advent or Lent (gotta love them rubrics).
So, if there's a Greater Doxology, there must be a Lesser Doxology, right? Right; "Gloria Patri," "Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now and forever, world without end. Amen." And, let's not forget the popular Common Doxology we sing every Sunday; the closing stanza of Thomas Ken's famous morning and evening hymns, beginning, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." sung to that most Anglican of tunes "Old Hundredth."
Oh, and just what is a "doxology," you ask..? A doxology is a short "formulaic ascription of praise to God addressed to each Person of the Holy Trinity in turn," usually phrased as in a hymn (poem).