From the Rector: December 2023
advent1
Noun / US /ˈæd.vent
the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving
Dear St. James Parish Family,
Within the centuries old traditions of our beloved Church, we begin a new year on Sunday, December 3rd. After twenty-six weeks, the season after Pentecost (also known as Ordinary Time) draws to a close, and we now embrace Advent.
As seen above, the Cambridge Dictionary offers a secular and “little a” definition of the word advent. It’s not hard at all, though, for faithful Christians to connect with this offering - the notion of “a person arriving,” or “an event happening.” Indeed, that is the very spirit of this season. We return during Advent to the vision of the prophets - calling out God’s people to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah. In the Gospels we witness again of the holy work of the angels, most certainly preparing the way for an “event happening” - the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
As I reflect on Cambridge’s worldly definition of advent, I’ve come to believe that the idea of “an invention being made” might be the best of the three offerings. As I mentioned in a prior message, the season of Advent is a tangible reminder of the one true Light that shines in the darkness of our troubled world, offering transformation here and now. That transformation is God’s work, and it has changed everything. God spoke through Isaiah and said, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Yes, the season of Advent offers time to remember the arrival of the Christ child. As followers of Christ, though, our faith is forward looking, toward the return of our true Messiah. Let us then remember his words in Revelation: “Behold, I am making all things new … write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5).
I invite you to take advantage of all of the wonderful offerings and resources we share here at St. James for the season to come. I hope you and your beloved find intentional moments to ponder the message of the season. May we all live into our gratitude for God’s grace, and find our hearts and minds pointed toward the invention of Christ’s transformational love and grace.
Faithfully,
The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
1Cambridge Dictionary