The Light is Coming into the World

2009 Advent Meditations
written by members of the Parish Family of
Christ Episcopal Church Slidell,

www.christchurchslidell.com

Table of Contents

The Light is Coming into the World

2009 Advent Meditations
written by members of the Parish Family of
Christ Episcopal Church Slidell,

www.christchurchslidell.com

Join Us For Worship

Sunday

8:00 amHoly Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 amHoly Eucharist, Rite II *
Contemporary service - 2nd Sunday each month

Wednesday

5:30 pmHoly Eucharist, Rite II

Christmas Eve

4:30 pmChristmas Eve Family Worship*
10:30 pmTraditional Christmas Eve Midnight Mass*

* Nursery is available at these services

A Note from the Editor

Grace and peace in the power of the Holy Spirit. For many years, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas wrote books of this nature during Advent. The purpose is to provide a short, structured process to daily prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In 2006, I brought this wonderful gift to Christ Episcopal Church in Slidell, Louisiana as it started its second centennial of ministry. Inside, you will find those members who were brave enough to share their thoughts about the lessons for the day. Most take a verse or two out of one lesson but occasionally an author will take on the challenge of tying multiple lessons together. Each is special in its own way. After all, the goal is to bring us closer to Jesus.

This year, the cover depicts our nativity stained glass window which inspired the title The Light Is Coming Into The World. I observed the brightness of the aura around the baby. I noticed auras around Mary and Joseph as well. Then I saw the lantern Joseph was holding. Finally, I saw the star shining down on the Holy Family. Light was everywhere.

I was toying with several titles about light when Father Ernie joined me at the back of the church. I described what I saw before mentioning my title needed an Advent flavor. He was inspired to give me the title The Light Is Coming Into The World. I tried several variations but none seemed to fit. Thanks to Nancy Copes, this title was arched over the window on the front cover.

The first page of each Advent week has simple instructions for each day that week. Each day, read the explanation as you light the appropriate number of the candles. Additionally, read the collect for the week before turning to the current day's page. Close with the Lord's Prayer and PLEASE MAKE SURE THE ADVENT CANDLES ARE COMPLETELY EXTINISHED AND THE WREATH DID NOT CATCH A SPARK.

Happy New Year,
J. Wesley McComb

Advent Week 1 Instructions

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Amos 1:1-5,13-2:8; 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11; Luke 21:5-19;
Psalms: Morning 146, 147; Evening 111, 112, 113

Even though the season of Advent is frequently observed as a time of preparation for Christmas, no not the buying of gifts or setting up the Christmas or Advent tree but a time of preparation of our souls. It is a time of directing our thoughts and energies on the advent or coming of the incarnate Lord in his birth, his historical coming at Bethlehem, his eschatological coming at the end of the age or time, his existential coming into our own present time.

In the letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul urges them and us that we are to be ready at all times for the coming of our Lord. We are to encourage one another and remind one another about what Jesus Christ has done for us. He ...died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1st Thessalonians 5:10) We are to Praise the Lord as Long as I live. (Psalm 146:1b-2a)

With all the writings about the end times, I urge you to remember this scripture from St. Luke 21:5-11. We are to be watchful for those who claim to be the Christ but are not. Another way of putting this is Who or What are you getting ready for on December 25th? Is it the true Christ, or someone else? Do not be deceived but prepare the way for the one who came to die for us, Jesus, the son of God.

Lord Jesus, stay with us for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Amen.

BCP page 124

Father Ernest Saik

Monday, November 30, 2009

Amos 2:6-16; 2nd Peter 1:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11;
Psalms: Morning 1, 2, 3; Evening 4, 7

When I was 13 in 1970, the schools in the Georgia town where I lived were integrated. It was the first time black and white students had attended school together. I had only been in Georgia for two years and did not grasp the full depth of the racial prejudice. One day at recess a white teacher shared with me her complaints about some of the black students, using a racial slur in the process.

I was shocked - and today, almost forty years later, I am still shocked - by what she said to me and how she said it. I was also stunned that she would speak this way to a child and assume the child felt the same way she did because we had the same skin color. I did not know what to do. I had been raised to be respectful to my elders, especially teachers. I did not know the words I could use to tell her I did not agree with what she said, so I sat mutely and she took my silence for agreement and continued to express her vitriolic prejudices.

Thank God that the days when a teacher would have felt entitled to say such things are in the past. I wish on that day I had had the words of Peter from today's epistle reading, so that I could have said:

...add to your faith...godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity

2 Peter 1:5-7, KJV

I didn't then, but I do now - and try to use them for the good whenever possible.

Deborah Pfeifer

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Amos 3:1-11; 2nd Peter 1:12-21; Matthew 21:12-22;
Psalms: Morning 5, 6; Evening 10, 11

Revisiting the readings for today, I found it ironic that I would have been assigned Matthew 21:12-22 as I suppose, as Treasurer, I am the money changer of Christ Church. I have always had a strong faith, even when I may have not been fully reflective or appreciative of that faith. However, my work with the business side of the church has certainly tested that faith. I must admit that I find myself sitting in church thinking about the business issues that I need to address rather than benefitting from the full worship experience as I once did.

I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, so I am certain that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing at this time. As my husband often says, this is our time to do what needs to be done. So with the reminder of this scripture, I will strive to remain faithful and refocus on the reason I am in church - for prayer and thanksgiving in the house of the Lord, remembering that the business will get done in due time. Just as Jesus reminded the people in the temple that day, God's house is intended to be a place of prayer.

Kathy Daigle

Editor's Note: The assignments are made randomly without being read until the meditations arrive in my inbox.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Amos 3:12-4:5; 2nd Peter 3:1-10; Matthew 21:23-32;
Psalms: Morning 119:1-24; Evening 12, 13, 14

The Lord God has sworn by his holiness:
The time is surely coming upon you,
when they shall take you away with hooks,
even the last of you with fishhooks.

Amos 4:2

Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you [the chief priests and elders].

Matthew 22:31

The Lord is not slow about his promise,
as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,
not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:10

All three of the lessons for today speak of God's anger, of his wrath, and of his waiting as long as the hope of repentance remains. Indeed, God redeems our wrongs at his expense! Can we be called upon to do otherwise? When I have been in danger of being consumed by anger at being wronged, I have usually managed not to act on my anger until my actions would make things better rather than worse. In a number of cases, there was nothing I could do to set the wrong right, so I channeled the energy of my anger into something that I COULD make better, but that I had been ignoring. It sounds strange, but anger has helped me further my education, get out of debt, become a better parent, and even fueled me through three years as junior warden (at another parish). As it so happens, I am angry again, this time about something hundreds of miles away that I have little hope of fixing. I have not yet worked out the details of my response, but I pray daily for the strength to use this anger to go an extra mile and make a positive difference.

Gus Michel

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Amos 4:6-13; 2nd Peter 3:11-18; Matthew 21:33-46;
Psalms: Morning 18:1-20; Evening 18:21-50

Not long ago I had a vivid dream in which I was having a conversation with God. It wasn't an Old Testament thunder and lightening, burning bush, type talk but one that you would have with an old, close friend.

In the dream I asked God if he had ever given thought to letting the human race back into the Garden of Eden. His answer rocked me. He said, I have given you free will, if you want the Garden, use that will to rebuild it.

Okay, I answered, but where do we start?

At this point, I awakened and started mulling over the dream. Just how do we start and, having started, how do we go about rebuilding the Garden? The answer was both amazingly simple and complex at the same time.

We have to start the rebuilding within ourselves. We can't make any change unless we accept it for our own life. God handed down the instructions for building through his son, Jesus. If we follow the teachings of the Son, accepting them for our own we're well on our way to making a new Eden. As the foundation of this rebuilding always keep the Golden Rule in mind Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The rebuilding will not be easy but if we faithfully follow Jesus' teachings it is possible.

Robert Olson

Friday, December 4, 2009

Amos 5:1-17; Jude 1-16; Matthew 22:1-14;
Psalms: Morning 16, 17; Evening 22

For I know how many are your transgressions,
and how great are your sins -
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
and push aside the needy in the gate.

Amos 5:12

While God is merciful and can turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity for repentant sinners, He can likewise turn on those who continue to sin. As I watch the daily news, and become increasingly saddened by the continued onslaught on our traditions and values by those who are supposed to represent us, I look upon this particular verse for comfort.

My faith in God helps me to believe that those who commit evil upon us today are known to God and will face His justice on Judgment Day. In my youth, I was often told that God does not sleep after hearing about some horrible transgression that was committed within our community - especially if the perpetrator escaped earthly justice. As I try to impart Judeo-Christian values to my own child, I often remind myself that while God's justice will prevail, it will happen in His time - not our time. His justice will happen by His reasoning - not our reasoning.

Jacques Walker,
Junior Warden

Editor's note: The basis for God does not sleep can be found in 1st Kings 18:2-40

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Amos 5:18-27; Jude 17-25; Matthew 22:15-22;
Psalms: Morning 20, 21; Evening 110, 116, 117

Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's;
and unto God the things that are God's.

Matthew 22:21c, KJV

Spoken by Jesus in response to a question from a Pharisee about paying taxes, this verse makes me ask What did he mean? I took it upon myself to research the answer.

Some interpretations say that Jesus was referring to the separation of church and state. Others say it was merely stated as a means of justification for submitting to the authority of government.

One interpretation is that nothing belongs to the earthly but only to God. Therefore nothing was Caesar's and everything was God's. The basis for this interpretation may be found in Psalm 24:1a which states that the earth and everything on it belong to the Lord.

Others say that it is an exercise in devoting your life to God. Finally, Henry David Thoreau thought that this passage refers to the idea of not becoming beholden in earthly things.

Still what did Jesus mean? Many people analyze the words and right them off as ambiguous and cryptic, but maybe no one has stopped to simply think that maybe what Jesus meant was purely in the literal sense. We, as people of Christ, have a duty to give ourselves and everything about us to God. We are all called to walk the walk spreading the word of Christ.

Life is not about the money. It is not about taxes. There is no calling in life to fight with your neighbor over the trivial things. Life is simply about letting your light shine in the world and bringing the gift of Christ to others. In short give to God what is due to God and give to Caesar what is due to Caesar.

Marina Wilson

Advent Week 2 Instructions

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Amos 6:1-14; 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11; Luke 1:57-68
Psalms: Morning 148, 149, 150; Evening 114, 115

God is a jealous god. There are many aspects of God described by the Old Testament names of God, Elohim, Adonai, Elshaddai, Yahweh and even just El. Each of these names and the many more, reveal an aspect of God's nature. When the Children of Israel were ready to know more of God's nature, God showed them that part of him they were ready to see. The jealous part has always been hard for me to understand. Why would God be jealous? I just have had a hard time with that one. He is all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, he has always been and will always be, he sees all eternity all the time, he is the Sheppard, the Healer, the Redeemer, our Comforter, all these things and yet he's jealous.

Why not? Does God ask that much of us in exchange for all he is and does? Love him with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

The passage from Amos shows us God's vengeance when his people turn away from him and then his mercy when they ask for it. The reading from First Thessalonians tells us to prepare for him in our hearts and through our actions. In the reading from Luke we see his way prepared at the birth of John the Baptist. Through the Psalms we see that we should praise him through all forms of music, song and dance.

Is this all really so much to ask? Praise God and prepare his way in all that you do. Sing God's praises with ever word you say; dance his glory and grandeur with every step you take. Prepare his way with the way you live your life. Seek his forgiveness when you stray. He will come like a thief in the night, but you will be ready. Live as though a jealous God were watching. In his own words, I Am!

R Lane Reynolds

Monday, December 7, 2009

Amos 7:1-9; Revelation 1:1-8; Matthew 22:23-33;
Psalms: Morning 25; Evening 9, 15

Psalm 25 - Prayer for Guidance and Help

In our ever changing (challenging) lives, we are bombarded with advertisements about everything from Acne medicine to Zyrtec. Many times we listen to the advertisements and wonder if these things will really help us, or make our lives easier, or our health better or make the pounds just melt away.

Too seldom do we see an advertisement about life values or beliefs. Or, the self help book for dummies which offers the answers in an easy to follow format. Sometimes we need easy; but sometimes life is not easy. I believe that's when we pray like we really mean it.

Throughout my time on the Vestry there have been many occasions which I prayed for help and guidance. My prayers have also been for the courage to keep going, for the wisdom to say the right words, and for the patience to listen.

I have been blessed and am grateful for this opportunity. It has been a wonderful life experience to learn so much about our church, our parishioners and my own faith. As each of us is called to participate or serve in different ways, it is important that we see (or seize) the chance when it is presented to us. It may be subtle, or it may be semi-coerced. Either way it is up to us to take the chance and ask God for the help we need to make the right choices.

He knows when we are ready long before we do. I am thankful that others saw in me that it was my time to be involved.

David Daigle
Senior Warden

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Amos 7:10-17; Revelation 1:9-16; Matthew 22:34-46;
Psalms: Morning 26, 28; Evening 36, 39

Dear Jesus,

As I face the daily troubles and pressures of the world, I find it hard to forgive the people who do harm to me. The harm they do to me does not only hurt the body, but also the mind. Whenever I am in need of assistance that no mortal can give, You are there for me. This Advent, please help me to find Your path and way and to follow it.

Love one another with affection of brothers.
Anticipate each other in showing respect,

Romans 12:10*

And so I thank You for all of Your gifts and guidance to the world and everyone in it.

Amen.

Kyle Giangrosso

* New American Bible St. Joseph Medium Edition

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Amos 8:1-14; Revelation 1:17-2:7; Matthew 23:1-12
Psalms: Morning 38; Evening 119:25-48

I looked at the scripture and thought, Wow, what random verses. And they are. I read them, prayed and read them again. Then God showed me the common thread.

Here's the rundown. In Amos, God is telling Israel of their coming punishment. He is so sickened by their actions, so angry that he says he will never forget the wicked things they've done, that the Word of the Lord has left them. Then in Revelation Jesus is addressing the church of Ephesus. He lists their accomplishments and then says,

But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me
or each other as you did at first.

Revelation 2:4 NLT

The passage in Matthew is a rebuke of the Pharisees. How showy, arrogant, and hypocritical they are. Then the Psalms; both a convicting cry from the heart... guilt ridden, knowing God is the only hope, thankful for His mercy and salvation.

So here's the thread. In each passage a group was reprimanded by God. The Israelites had forgotten their God and all the things He'd done for them, turning to other gods and idols. The Ephesians had forgotten their first love, and the Pharisees had forgotten their real purpose.

So what's this to us? People have short attention spans. It's true. We all have at least a touch of ADD. The Oh look...something shiny... syndrome. We are also as a whole, extremely selfish and prideful. It's our fallen nature to look out for number one. These two facts are our downfall. We totally forget our purpose, our first love and turn to other things, other shiny little idols. As Christians, it's really easy to look at the person on the pew next to us and think, they've forgotten...here's their idol...they're prideful. Are we practicing to be a Pharisee?

Read Psalm 119:25-48. Is that the cry of your heart?

Beth Short

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Amos 9:1-10; Revelation 2:8-17; Matthew 23:13-26;
Psalms: Morning 37:1-18; Evening 37:19-42

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:10

Psalm 37 is very special to me. It was this passage of scripture that got me through the trials and tribulations of dealing with mortgage and insurance companies (those wicked people) after Katrina. I just couldn't believe that God would allow us to lose the dream he had given us before we could realize them. But Revelation 2:9 reveals I know thy works and tribulations and poverty, (but thou art rich).

It seems that today's readings focus on trusting in the Lord, doing what we know is right to do, committing to him, waiting patiently, not fearing or fretting, ceasing from anger, delighting in His way, and focusing on what is important - mercy and faith - then we receive the desires of our hearts, we prosper, we inherit, we experience peace.

But woe unto us who focus on petty things, who behave hypocritically, who blaspheme! Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth. . .saith the Lord. The wicked shall be consumed, all the sinners of my people shall die by the sword. (Amos 9:8-10) Beware America!!

Thankfully, there is ALWAYS salvation. That is what this Advent season is all about - the greatest gift, the greatest sacrifice, the greatest love - Jesus Christ. Therefore, Repent (Revelation 2:16a) Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31b) Depart from evil and do good and dwell for evermore. (Psalms 37:27).

Beverly Stubblefield

All of the Biblical quotations in this meditation are from the KJV

Friday, December 11, 2009

Haggai 1:1-15; Revelation 2:18-29; Matthew 23:27-39;
Psalms: Morning 31; Evening 35

So teach us (O Lord) to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.

Psalms 90:12

Each of us will die. That is a certainty. God has always been, is and will be forever. God is immortal and eternal. We are mortal and our days are numbered.

Whether the life of mortal men lasts days, months, years or decades depends on our body's strength and health. We will end our days and fly away, but to God, a thousand years is but a blink of an eye.

This comparison of mortality and immortality bring to mind John Keat's poem, Ode on a Grecian Urn. Keats was in an antiquities museum when an ancient Grecian urn caught his eye. On the beautiful work of art was depicted a procession of people leaving a small village with a bull in tow. The bull was decorated with garlands of flowers and was probably intended as a sacrifice to their gods. A priest walks in front of the bull and others follow.

One particular image catches Keats' eye, a young couple about to kiss. As Keats sees them, they are forever caught in a moment of time, never able to complete the kiss, never able to have their lips meet. But he sees this second in their life captured forever in porcelain as a moment of immortality.

His famous ode is an interesting poetic description of what Keats saw, a flight of Keats' brilliant imagination, and the thoughts of a dying man. He was questioning man's mortality and thinking of the possibility of immortality.

Actually the only form of immortality to be achieved by man is that, through a wise heart, we will reach the ultimate goal for God's people. Though a wise heart, we lead by example, we attempt to influence our children in positive ways, and we learn to live our lives in a measured, day-by-day way, worshiping God and knowing that every day we live can be a blessing if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Bob Lawrence

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Haggai 2:1-19; Revelation 3:1-6; Matthew 24:1-14;
Psalms: Morning 30, 32; Evening 42, 43

They love to have...the best seats in the synagogues, to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have people call them rabbi

Matthew 23:6-7

These Pharisees would know how to handle this time of year if they were alive today. None of this Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays, Season Greetings. They would demand respect, they are the chosen ones. It would be Happy Hanukkah with everything blue and silver, and forget the rest of the world. They would refuse to shop in stores unless they have menorahs and dreidels and banned nativity sets and Christmas trees. They would rant and rave on talk radio about the true meaning of Hanukkah and the nerve of Christians and Afro-Americans wanting to celebrate a holiday.

Oh, wait, that sounds a lot like us Christians today. But we are God's chosen now. People should show the respect due us by saying Merry Christmas, draping everything in red and green, and playing Christmas music.

OK, I know that is the last thing Jesus wants for us. He wants us to show his love to the world. He wants us to be as humble as he was, not as puffed-up as the Pharisees. We are the chosen, chosen to be His smile, His warm hug, His soft word to a world hungry for them. So this year, let's wish anyone we meet a Merry Christmas and if they answer Happy Holidays just smile Jesus' warm smile and maybe ask what holiday they celebrate. Take a minute to listen with Jesus' open heart. You might make a new friend for Jesus and yourself.

Oh, by the way, this is the first day of Hanukkah. So Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! God loves you.

Peace,
Claire Singer

Advent Week 3 Instructions

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Amos 9:11-15; 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17; John 5:30-47;
Psalms: Morning 63, 98; Evening 103

And the Father himself, which hath sent me,
hath borne witness of me.
Ye have neither heard his voice at any time,
nor seen his shape.

John 5:37 (KJV)

Most of you did not know my father, who died on July 9th of multiple myeloma. He was a man who cared most for those who needed the most care. As a leading pediatrician in Tulsa, he helped start a program that trained doctors how to spot and report child abuse. It is now a national program called At Risk.

He battled cancer for seven years, receiving chemotherapy and even bone marrow replacement. In January of this year, he became unable to use his legs. Scans showed that the cancer had returned in his spine. My girls and I went to visit him for Easter weekend, one of the last times when he could sit up, talk lucidly, and eat. I barbecued a leg of lamb for Easter dinner, and we brought him a plate that evening. He ate everything (lamb, grilled veggies, creamed spinach). As we were leaving, Mom asked him if he wanted anything from the house. If there is any of that lamb left, he said, bring me a lamb sandwich.

Soon after this visit, he stopped eating much and was soon unable to feed himself.

On July 2nd, Mom was about to leave his room to go home. Dad took her hand in his and said, Don't go. He gripped her hand tightly, and he held her there for nearly two hours, until he slipped into a sleep from which he never awoke. I know what that hand-holding moment was - he recognized that his time here was at an end, and he was saying goodbye, forever. He was ready to join his Heavenly Father, and his faith filled his last moments with a level of courage and dignity that few people I know could ever match.

John B. Pfeifer

Monday, December 14, 2009

Zechariah 1:7-17; Revelation 3:7-13; Matthew 24:15-31;
Psalms: Morning 41, 52; Evening 44

In Matthew 24:22, Jesus talks about the Great Tribulation being shortened because of the elect. The elect are clearly a part of the solution rather than the problem but just who are they? One answer can be found in Revelation 3:7-13 in the letter to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was a young town when Revelation was written. The Greeks settled it for the expressed purpose of spreading their culture and language. The soil was fertile and the main crop was grapes. Otherwise, Philadelphia was just another small town. Today, Philadelphia is called Alasehir.

Still, Philadelphia is unique among the seven churches. Jesus only had good things to say to this perfect church. Only the original City of Brotherly Love had no faults.

I believe an individual, family, small group, parish, diocese, or denomination has the characteristics of one of the seven Revelation churches at any given point in time. On the rare occasions when this entity is in transition will it have the characteristics of two churches for a short time. I have watched these transitions in absolute awe.

I have witnessed the spirit of Philadelphia on several occasions. In high school, my youth group dealt with the brutal murder of our vicar. This horrible event bonded us together in faith.

The most amazing example was St. Mary's. The whole mission was alive with the spirit of Philadelphia. You really wanted to be there. You were missed when you were not there. My adult Bible class had numerous prayers answered with miraculous results.

I taught 5th graders on Sunday morning. These kids had questions and I gave them answers. One parent told me his daughter cracked the whip so she would not be late. Others told me how much they had learned from their children.

Are you part of the elect from Philadelphia?

Gapitpoths,
Wes McComb

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Zechariah 2:1-13; Revelation 3:14-22; Matthew 24:32-44;
Psalms: Morning 45; Evening 47, 48

Laodicea ad Lycum was an extremely wealthy trading center in 95AD. The town was located at a point where a major trade route from the south intersected with a major east-west trade route. This intersection was exploited by the merchants when they bought and sold goods to caravan traders. Laodicea was known for its early banking system, black wool, medical care, and recreation facilities. Frequently, merchants would take new caravan arrivals to their bath house where they cut fairly one sided deals.

Where Philadelphia had no faults, Jesus had nothing good to say about Laodicea. He called them lukewarm and spit them out of his mouth. In college, I drank from a jug of lukewarm water after a soccer practice. The water hit my stomach and I could not keep from spraying it back out. Today, not even archeologists are interested in the ruins at Laodicea.

When I look at our world today, I see Laodicea everywhere. The news on all fronts sounds so familiar to anyone who even remotely knowledgeable with the apocalyptic writings in the Bible. Could we be the generation Jesus cited would not pass until very bad things happened? Are we as corrupt as those who lived in the days of Noah? America is viewed by the world as a Christian nation but are we?

I have encountered those who think just showing up for church on Sunday morning is their ticket to heaven regardless of what they do or say the rest of the time. Do you truly understand the Lord's Prayer? Do you truly believe the articles of the Nicene Creed? Are they the Ten Commandments or just suggestions? Do you accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God?

On New Year's Eve, many will celebrate the end of 2009 by counting down the last 10 seconds. Will Jesus on the outside knocking on your door or will He sitting at your dinner table?

Gapitpoths,
Wes McComb

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 4:1-8; Matthew 24:45-51;
Psalms: Morning 119:49-72; Evening 49, 53

Today's Psalms emphasize the need to keep God's Law so as to possess authentic life in joyful relationship our Lord. Scofflaws are shepherded by Death to the darkness of Sheol, where there is no God; and the psalmist prays that God's light will shine in the lives of the faithful.

The prophet Zechariah addresses people in the early days of the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem (ca. 520 BCE), foretelling that God will provide messianic leaders for the coming ideal age.

In Matthew's account of Jesus' discourse about the end of the age, Christian leaders are warned that those living hedonistic and violent lives will be expelled from the bright new world of light into the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In the Revelation to John, symbols of light abound in John's visions of God's glory: lightning flashes, flaming torches, and the sea of glass surround the throne of the Lord.

The Light is always available to illuminate the world; I can see its glow in the visages of believers. All are born with God's spark of life within, and the more nearly we follow Jesus, the more fervently that interior fire will blaze, and the more clearly we'll understand His way to His kingdom, on earth as it is in Heaven. As C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity,

Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.

When our lives reflect the brilliance of God's Light, we are delivered from the darkness of death into resurrected life!

Cecile Torbergsen

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Zechariah 4:1-14; Revelation 4:9-5:5; Matthew 25:1-13;
Psalms: Morning 50; Evening 33, 59, 60

I am struck by a passage in the story of the Scroll and Lamb in the book of Revelation.

... with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 5:9c, NIV

I imagine in that time period most cultures firmly believed that their hierarchal system linked status with worthiness, caste with salvation and cleanliness with ritual.

How revolutionary for God to accept and want all to experience and love Him and inherit everlasting life! Yet how humbling for God's plan to be to send a lamb, not a lion, to do His bidding. Jesus welcomes ALL into God's salvation with love, not brawn.

How remarkable for God to pick us!- from all walks, thoughts, cultures, travails, travesties and joys to be invited to live with Him, in Him.

If God can choose the most humble, Jesus, to revolutionize our world and lives, how awesome to be asked to share His love, word and truth to all.

Alice Fish-Finnegan

Friday, December 18, 2009

Zechariah 7:8-8:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Matthew 25:14-30;
Psalms: Morning 40, 54; Evening 51

It seems like only yesterday that I enjoyed the most wonderful Christmas Eve ever, being able for the first time to serve Holy Communion to my wife, her mother and her brother on such a glorious occasion. It was my first Christmas in this capacity and I remember telling Father Ernie that there seemed to be a beautiful glow on the faces of every parishioner that night as they knelt at the alter. And now all of a sudden the Advent season is upon us again. Where has the time gone this year?

Advent is a slow process, the spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. Yet 2009 seems to have quickly passed, in fact, so quickly that if we don't force ourselves to slow down Advent will be over and Christmas will be upon us. We need a time of contemplation; time to stop to smell the roses, and appreciate all that God has given this in this year and in our lives. Just how do we do that in this hustle and bustle world? Live every day with an attitude of gratitude.

In today's lesson from Matthew, we find one of my all time favorite passages: The parable of the talents. We've all heard it since we were children, but unlike most people I always feel for the one who buried his talent out of fear and was then cast out by the master. I've often wondered what he would have been like if someone had just reached out to help him. He reminds me of many we know who have talents to share, yet lack confidence and self-belief that they can make a contribution. Our parish is full of people of all ages who have gifts beyond their imagination, and all we need to do is encourage them.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and
put a new and right spirit in me.

Psalm 51:10

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise

Psalm 51:15

If we put into practice these two simple phrases as we make our way through the Advent season, surely on Christmas Eve, we will once again truly BE in the presence of our Savior.

Jim Epperson

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Zechariah 8:9-17; Revelation 6:1-17; Matthew 25:31-46;
Psalms: Morning 55; Evening 138, 139

Don't get stuck on stupid.

In a message to Zechariah, the Lord says he will return to Zion and do good to Jerusalem and Judah, and the covenant will be reaffirmed. However, because he hates lying, injustice, and violence, God will demand that the people speak the truth, make true and peace-producing judgments, bring no harm to one another, and tell no lies. There's expectation and hope; there's reconciliation; there are no-nonsense rules for living. It's so simple; yet we fail again and again. In the words of Lieutenant General Russel Honore: Don't get stuck on stupid.

On the Mount of Olives Jesus preaches about His return to earth for the Great Judgment. But the righteous followers are confused by His assertion that he was hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or in prison, and a stranger to them, yet He was fed food and drink, clothed, nursed and visited in prison. When the righteous ask when they had done these acts of kindness, Jesus replies with a gentle reminder about the treatment of others: Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. Matthew 25: 45b

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. begins Psalm 139. The speaker enumerates the many ways that God knows us intimately, our every innermost thoughts, and he realizes that we cannot escape from God, not even His spirit or presence. Due to the limitations of human knowledge, the speaker recognizes that he cannot truly fathom a God that is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient.

What do these three lessons tell us? Love God, and all people; Make wise and peaceful judgments; Do no evil; Tell no lies; Live righteously; Have faith; Show grace!

Shiela MacArthur

Advent Week 4 Instructions

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Genesis 3:8-15; Revelation 12:1-10; John 3:16-21;
Psalms: Morning 24, 29; Evening 8, 84

For God so loved the world...

John 3:16

Arguably, no Bible verse is better known than John 3:16. Even people who do not attend Church regularly, who do not know the Bible, are familiar with the verse that begins For God so loved the world, if only because of the JOHN 3:16 signs that were so much a fixture of public events in the 1970s & 80s. And, for me, no Bible verse is as comforting during times of sorrow, as I have discovered again this year.

2009 has been a year of great loss for our family. Back in February, my aunt passed away three years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Then in June, John's cousin's wife - who was just 44 years old and had two school-aged children - died after a ten-year battle with breast cancer. The final and hardest blow came in July when John's dad, my father-in-law, passed away after suffering with multiple myeloma for the last seven years.

In all three deaths, the words of today's gospel reading from John were of great comfort: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16, KJV). Even in the deepest sorrow, the saddest time, we can be confident that because of God's love and the sacrifice of his only begotten son, we will never die. We cannot bring back our departed loved ones, but we can be sure that they are partaking of everlasting life, and one day we will join them in that same joyous gift.

Deborah Pfeifer

Monday, December 21, 2009

Zephaniah 3:8-15; Titus 1:1-16; Luke 1:1-25;
Psalms: Morning 61, 62; Evening 112, 115

I think I know what it might have felt like to be Zechariah in the lesson from Luke. He wanted a boy to carry on his name. Zechariah had to believe this was his only chance.

When my only son, Trey, told me they were going to have a son, he told me right up front that they were not going to name him Joshua Borah Tonkel, IV. His son was going to have an entirely different name.

I told him that it did not matter to me. The main thing for me was to know that there was going to be someone to carry on the Tonkel name.

JB Tonkel

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

1st Samuel 2:1b-10; Titus 2:1-10; Luke 1:26-38;
Psalms: Morning 66, 67; Evening 116, 117

I love the Lord for he heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned his ear to me
I will call on Him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:1-2, NIV

Our youngest child was born very sick, and spent about three months in the Tulane Neonatal ICU. Lisa stayed at the Ronald McDonald House on Canal Street, while I tried to hold down the fort at home in Biloxi. We were both emotional wrecks from the stress of not knowing if our baby was going to make it, and not being able to physically see and touch each other on a daily basis. Never have I been so lonely.

I was in the restaurant business at the time, and one of my lunch customers approached me on his way out one afternoon and offered some advice. He said to put my hands on opposite sides of my son's tiny body and think good thoughts. I must have looked puzzled, because he simplified it for me a second later. Put your hands on him and pray.

When my next days off arrived, I hurried to Tulane to see my wife and baby. Although I was hesitant to try the hand thing in the little glass room, I quickly got over my fear and gave it a shot. With one hand on my child's forehead, and one on his leg, I PRAYED. And I PRAYED.

A couple weeks later, our son was moved out of NICU, and he was released a couple weeks after that. There were many more tests and procedures to come, but we were going home with our baby. I can't say for certain that prayer pulled my child through. But I know that the Lord heard my silent cries and , through others, helped me find the voice to pray, just enough faith to believe that those prayers might be answered, and just enough strength to push through the rough times that were still to come.

David Carvin

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2nd Samuel 7:1-17; Titus 2:11-3:8a; Luke 1:39-56;
Psalms: Morning 72; Evening 111, 113

My soul magnifies the Lord and
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Luke 1:46b-47

I was so moved by these two verses as I read the scriptures for today. We know it as the beginning to the Magnificat (BCP page 50) and have heard it many, many times. But what moved me so is the emotion expressed here. Have you ever felt like that? I have. I have felt that overwhelming love and joy to the point that I felt my heart would burst. But here was a young woman whose condition could cause her great misery in her culture, but she was praising God! Had Joseph turned away from her, at the least she would have become an outcast and at the worst, she could have lost her life. Most of us would be complaining and worrying about our situation. Yet she was trusting God, praising Him, and rejoicing.

We should take a lesson from Mary: Trust God, Praise Him in all things - good or bad, and Rejoice in His love.

Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fill our hearts with rejoicing as we await the celebration of Jesus' birth.

Beth Gibson

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Baruch 4:36-5:9; Isaiah 59:15b-21; Galatians 3:23-4:7;
Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 1:18-25;
Psalms: Morning 45, 46; Evening 89:1-29

What's in a name?

How would you react if you were told what to name your child? Naming of children is a very personal decision. Usually, only the parents of the child know why a particular name is chosen.

My mother's maiden name was Terry. I don't remember hearing about my father's input into naming me but my name became Terry Anne Hall. Had I been a male child, my name would still have been Terry but with a different middle name. I can't tell you the number of problems my name caused in school and elsewhere. A lot of people assume that since my name is Terry, with a y, that I am a male.

We read in scripture about God changing the name of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, and Saul to Paul. All through scripture, the meaning of the names are mentioned, giving the reason for the name. Do you know anyone who has changed their name? Not only women marrying and taking the name of their husband but others who may have changed their names because of religious reasons. Do you know the meaning of your name?

How would you respond to finding out that you were engaged to a woman who was already pregnant and that God was telling you that it was OK. That she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit and to top that off, you were told what the child would be named. The faith and trust that Joseph and Mary put in what the angels of the Lord told them was needed of them is remarkable. How many of us would be able to respond with that much faith and trust?

In naming His Son, God gave Him the NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, JESUS! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Shalom,
Terry Brown

Christmas Day Instructions

Friday, December 25, 2009

Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; Psalm 96

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Christmas is not just a time to celebrate our faith but is a time that we should affirm our faith. Our readings present us with a bold, emphatic affirmation of faith:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14, NIV

God's grace is openly revealed in the birth of His Son and in the Gospel of Luke, we see the Old Testament prophecy fulfilled, the historical birth of Jesus recorded, and the powerful symbol of our own humanity. God's Son comes into the world as vulnerable as every infant is vulnerable, subject to all the conditions under which we all live.

The affirmation of our faith goes out into the world as we hear the proclamation of the angel to the shepherds in the field and this is an encouragement for all of us to spread the good news of Jesus to all but especially to the poor. The shepherds were not only poor but of least likely to have God's favor on them, and God's favor on the least likely is a theme that is seen throughout the entire Holy Bible. Israel was the least likely, as was David, Mary, and Paul.

There may be times when we fell that we are the least likely to be chosen by God but this story and this day should change our perceptions forever.

Father Ernest Saik

My Thanks

First and foremost, I have to thank all of those who shared a part of themselves in writing this book. Several did not have a clue as to what they were getting into when they agreed to write a meditation for me. Several writers accepted the challenge of writing multiple meditations to insure all the days were covered. Gus Michel did double duty as he put this book on the Christ Episcopal Church website. Nancy Copes did an outstanding job of picking this scattered brain of mine to create the beautiful cover. I tip my hat to all those who contributed to making this book possible.

Second, I need to thank all of those who underwrote the cost of these books. These anonymous benefactors know who they are. Without them, these books would never have gotten to print.

Finally, I need to thank Father Ernie Saik for having the faith in this crazy old man that this was a good idea. He put his full support behind this project by writing the opening Sunday and Christmas Day meditations despite being extremely busy as Priest In Charge at Christ Episcopal Church.

Grace and peace in the power of the Holy Spirit,
Wes McComb

Photo of Church Building

Christ Episcopal Church 1534 Seventh, between Gause and Fremaux

1534 Seventh Street, Slidell, LA
Telephone: (985) 643-4531

Join Us For Worship

Sunday

8:00 amHoly Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 amHoly Eucharist, Rite II *
Contemporary service - 2nd Sunday each month

Wednesday

5:30 pmHoly Eucharist, Rite II

Christmas Eve

4:30 pmChristmas Eve Family Worship*
10:30 pmTraditional Christmas Eve Midnight Mass*

* Nursery is available at these services

Valid XHTML 1.1