Bryan Sherwood

A Prayer for Advent

Here's a nice Advent prayer by Henri Nouwen.

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen.

Friday Lectio

All of you must cloth yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

That was the Scripture reading for Morning Prayer today. Seems pretty appropriate to Advent as we await the coming of King Jesus. I thought the phrases "humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God" and "Cast all anxiety on him . . . " make an interesting connection. Sometimes pride and fear are connected. We're often afraid for people to see us as we are. Kind of silly, I know, but it's true.

Tomorrow, we're having an Advent Quiet Day at St. Patrick's. I'm looking forward to making some space in the busiest season of the year for prayer.

Peace.

You're Invited!

December 9, 2007 • 4:00 p.m.
Saint Patrick’s Church
Meeting at South Elkhorn Church,
4343 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington

Join us this Sunday as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. The Service of Lessons and Carols combines Bible readings with singing of traditional Advent and Christmas hymns. We invite you to come and share worship with us and experience the blessing of "Emmanuel," God with Us, this advent season.

An Advent Resource

I was looking for a resource to use at home for our Advent wreath. I wanted something simple, containing Scripture readings appropriate to the season and of course, free is always good. I found a great little booklet online that can be printed. Check it out if you're interested.

It might be nice to know what resources you're using this year for Advent. Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like to share.

Advent 2007

As Alan has already said, Advent is upon us. A new church year begins. Advent is a time of waiting and expectation. As Christians, we look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.

In what ways is my household participating in Advent? Well, we're using an Advent wreath just like we did last year. Beyond that, I wanted to add something to my personal spiritual disciplines for Advent and Christmas. After thinking about this for a while, I've decided that I'm going to pray the Angelus. After all, it's a prayer that reminds us of the Incarnation of Christ so it seems especially appropriate this time of year. The church has prayed the Angelus for centuries and so I certainly won't be alone in praying this prayer.

In the morning, I rise early and drive to the Abbey of Gethsemani for my LCG meeting. It's a coincidence but it will be nice to begin Advent at the monastery. Just a little gift to me from God, I guess.

I'll leave you with one of tomorrow's readings that will be heard at Mass from Romans 13.

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:8-14 (NRSV)

Peace.