Happy New Year
Not quite the greeting you thought you would see 11/30/2008. Today is the 1st Sunday of Advent which is the beginning of the year, liturgically speaking. I am no longer Episcopalian, but I do still love the liturgical calendar.
This is the time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, Advent was purple and at some point Advent became blue. I did hear a priest say it’s because we are less penitential than we used to be, I was never sure if Father Steve was joking or that is why the switch from purple to blue was made.
The Advent Wreath is a symbol which reminds us we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). Advent is a season of preparation, hope, and anticipation. These words from Isaiah sum it up:
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
I love this passage from Isaiah as well; it’s the grandest birth announcement in the history of the world:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Celebrate the New Year today and let your light shine. Take the next 4 weeks and prepare Him room.
This is the time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, Advent was purple and at some point Advent became blue. I did hear a priest say it’s because we are less penitential than we used to be, I was never sure if Father Steve was joking or that is why the switch from purple to blue was made.
The Advent Wreath is a symbol which reminds us we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). Advent is a season of preparation, hope, and anticipation. These words from Isaiah sum it up:
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
I love this passage from Isaiah as well; it’s the grandest birth announcement in the history of the world:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Celebrate the New Year today and let your light shine. Take the next 4 weeks and prepare Him room.
Comments
Advent is one way to help refocus on the birth of Christ rather than the commercialism of Christmas.
Oh, the Amy album was the one with Breath of Heaven on it. I'll have to get it out and start playing it, I suppose.
Love the Christmas layout.
Seems many decorate their blogs much like their homes.
I also love your Christmas layout. It's so pretty.