Explore Advent, Part 2
Second Advent readings affirm the coming of a deliverer, the Messiah—Jesus! Malachi announces the approach of God’s messenger, who will refine like fire. Baruch calls for the exiles to celebrate their return home. Paul reminds us to wait for Jesus’ return in glory. In today’s gospel, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus’ public ministry, calling his listeners to repentance.
"Advent is a time to look for “desert places”: the place of solitude, the place of true silence in which we can become fully awake to our sin and God’s forgiving grace which alone can heal it."-Br. Robert L’Esperance
This week we focus on John the Baptist through scripture, art and commentary. Let’s move to Advent 2.
St Nicholas Day is December 6.
Here is a presentation that provides the background of this saint who has had a colorful and varied history over 1800 years.
Additional Meditations:
Suzanne Guthrie – "A Way in the Wilderness" (2014)
Daniel Berrigan – "Advent Credo" (2004)
Catherine Adler – "Advent Hands"
From the Presiding Bishop- Advent Messages 2012-2014 – "What are you waiting for?"
From the Episcopal and Lutheran churches – Advent devotions for each Sunday in Advent
From the Archibishop of Canterbury – An Advent course "Getting More Out of the Bible"
From the Diocese of Virginia –
Learning the Art of Waiting in Advent (2012)
Rt. Rev. Susan Goff
Be Awake, Alert, Aware, Alive, Part 1 (2013)
Be Awake, Alert, Aware, Alive, Part 2 (2013)
Rt. Rev. Susan Goff
Liturgical Layers – Advent
Bishop Shannon Johnston
Christmas Flowers
Linda Hemming, Aquia Church
Advent Waiting in Hope
Jeff Borden
The surprising origins of the Twelve Days of Christmas
Make Ready the Feast highlights one scripture citation and one recipe during Advent
A St. Peter’s Advent and Christmas
Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of Jesus as one of us. Jesus brought God’s light into the world during his lifetime and we expect him to return to reign in glory at the end of time.
1. “Matthew’s Birth stories” – Sunday mornings 10am
Adoration of the Magi (1481) – Leonardo da Vinci
Sun. Nov 20, Nov 27, Dec. 4, Dec 11
Matthew’s Christmas story is much shorter than Luke. It is different – no angels, shepherds, instead a star and visitors from the East. Jesus is born in a house, not a stable. Where Mary is the focus in Luke, it is Joseph who dominates Matthew’s account. Luke is more about joy. In particular Matthew brings up the theme of conflict with Herod trying to destroy Jesus and the Holy family’s trek to Egypt and back.
Nov 20, Nov. 27- Matthew, Chapter 1
Dec. 4, Dec. 11 – Matthew, Chapter 2
There are two major purposes:
->What did Matthew’s story mean to1st century Christians? Much of Matthew’s account is a fulfilment of Old Testament scripture. Matthew took liberally from these sources.
->What does it mean to us today? One writer has simply said “the purpose of Advent and Christmas is to bring the past into the present”
2. Port Royal Christmas Lighting – Fri. Dec. 9, 5:30pm-8pm – at the town Fire Hall. Food , games, songs and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
3. Choir Retreat – Sat Dec 10,10:30am – The choir will be gathering to rehearse Christmas music at St. Peter’s followed by lunch. Set aside some time to pray this morning for Brad Volland, our organist, and our dedicated choir. And if you’d like to join the choir, let Brad know.
4. Everett’s Christmas – Sun. Dec. 11, 5:30pm. Gather round the Everett’s table for a delicious pot luck dinner, over the top Christmas decorations, and Christmas caroling. All are welcome.
5. Christmas Play on Advent 4 – Sun. Dec. 18,11am. Each year it’s unique and at the same time a wonderful introduction to Christmas week.
6. Christmas Tea for the ECW, Sun. Dec. 18, 5pm.Enjoy Moravian sugar cake, love feast coffee, and the Christmas putz. (Men are also welcome as guests of the ECW.)
7. Christmas Eve – Sat., Dec. 24, 4:30pm – Holy Eucharist Rite II. Celebrating Christ coming among us.
8. Christmas – Sun., Dec. 25, 11:00pm – Holy Eucharist Rite II. Celebrating the arrival of Christ. The last time Christmas was on Sunday was in 2011
9. New Year’s Eve Gala – Sat. Dec. 31, 6pm. Parish House
10. Lessons and Carols – Sun. Jan 1, 11am. This traditional Anglican service, developed in England, gives us the opportunity to hear the story of our salvation in Jesus Christ through scripture and song.
Christmas Deadlines
1. Poinsettias for Dec. 18, Christmas Eve and Christmas – If you like to donate a poinsettia for Christmas, the cost is $10. Please complete the order form and include a separate check to St. Peter’s with poinsettia in the memo line. Deadline Sunday, Dec. 11th.
2. The Christmas pageant will be Dec. 18, 2016 as part of the 11am service. If you would to participate, please let Catherine know.