Friday, December 6, 2013
Advent Reflections
Diocese of Newark

St. Nicholas Day
Nicholas is famed as the traditional patron saint of seafarers and sailors,and, more especially, of children.  As a bearer of gifts to children, his name was brought to America by Dutch colonists in New York, from whom he is popularly known as Santa Claus.


Thank you for joining us as we begin the journey of Advent.  Each day you will receive a scripture reading, a reflection on that reading and a short prayer (except on Sundays when you will receive the Gospel lesson and a prayer).  The word "Advent" means "coming". It is a time to slow down, be quiet and meditate about the real meaning of Christmas.
  
These meditations and prayers have been prepared by a team of diverse members of our Diocese.  Joan Chittister, says: "The function of Advent is to remind us what we're waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do. Advent asks the question, what is it for which you are spending your life?"
  
We all desperately crave more meaningful, less cluttered, lives, yet we rarely take the time to slow down and ask this question. The hope is that these reflections each day during the four weeks before Christmas will help us to prepare our hearts and our lives as we wait for the coming of Jesus.

May this Advent be a time of hope, anticipation and a deepening of our relationship with God. Please feel free to share.

Scripture

 

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.' And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

 

Mark 10:13-16  
Reflection
   

As I thought about this reading in the Gospel of Mark and starkly am aware of the commercial Christmas, fast approaching, it was the contrast that struck me.  My hope is that we can begin to model slowing down and paying attention to the wonder, beauty and anticipation of Advent AND intentionally try to draw in and include the children in our lives, whether through personal, professional and/or volunteer contact.

 

Children are our sign that the kingdom of God is given to all who love with an open heart and a spirit awakened to life's possibilities.

 
Prayer

 

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant, Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

from Holy Women, Holy Men-Celebrating the Saints

   

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