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
Diocese of Va. Advent Meditations, Week 2
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
National Geographic special on Christ’s Tomb
From the Magazine:
Story from the December, 2017 issue The Real Jesus: What Archaeology Reveals About His Life
From the Story:
"At each stop on my journey through Galilee, Jesus’ faint footprints seemed to grow a bit more distinct, a shade more discernible. But it’s not until I return to Jerusalem that they finally come into vivid focus. In the New Testament, the ancient city is the setting for many of his miracles and most dramatic moments: his triumphal entry, his cleansing of the Temple, his healing miracles at the Pools of Bethesda and Siloam—both of which have been uncovered by archaeologists—his clashes with the religious authorities, his last Passover meal, his agonized prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial and execution, his burial and Resurrection.
"…The traditional location of that tomb, in what is now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is considered the holiest site in Christianity. It’s also the place that sparked my quest for the real Jesus. In 2016 I made several trips to the church to document the historic restoration of the Edicule, the shrine that houses the reputed tomb of Jesus. Now, during Easter week, I return to see it in all its soot-scrubbed, reinforced glory."
Christmas Deadlines
1. Poinsettias for 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. 10th. Endowment Fund gifts are due Dec. 17.
2. The Christmas pageant will be Dec. 17, 2017 as part of the 11am service. If you would to participate, please let Catherine know.
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. Choir Retreat – Fri Dec 1,10:00am – The choir will be gathering to rehearse Christmas music followed by lunch. Set aside some time to pray this morning for Brad Volland, our organist, and our dedicated choir.
2. Dickens A Christmas Carol and Bible” – Sunday mornings 10am, Dec. 3, 10
Where to find it ?
2 The book and audio are available free at Project Gutenberg on the web. It is available in plain text, formatted text, Kindle for book readers (with or with images). It is available in in audio in mp3 format and itunes audiobook
3. Port Royal Christmas Lighting – Fri. Dec. 8, 5:30pm-8pm – at the town Fire Hall. Food , games, songs and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
4. Dec. 10 – Poinsettia form , ECM Christmas donations due
5. Dec. 17 – Endowment Fund gifts due
6. Christmas Play on Advent 3 – Sun. Dec. 17, 11am. Each year it’s unique and at the same time a wonderful introduction to Christmas week.
7. Everett’s Christmas – Sun. Dec. 17, 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.
8. Christmas Eve – Sun., Dec. 24, 4:30pm – Holy Eucharist Rite II. Celebrating Christ coming among us.
9. Lessons and Carols – Sun. Dec. 31, 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.
10. New Year’s Eve Gala – Sun. Dec. 31, 6pm. Parish House