Saturday, December 6, 2014
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.

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


 

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

 

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 

 

 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 

 

 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 

 

This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Luke 21:5-19

 


Reflection
 

Today's reading immediately brings thoughts of the social issues that are happening in the world around us. Through all of the things that are going on, we realize how seeking and serving Christ in all persons, as we promised in our baptismal vows, is very important but becomes extremely difficult. But then we're reminded that doing God's work is most essential to our lives as Christians. Our faith in God and one another helps to borne love, hope and joy as we await the coming of Jesus Christ.

   
    
Prayer

 

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord,

so that my soul may always be serving you in the way

 you will and not as I choose.

Let me die to myself so that I may serve you;

let me live to you who are life itself. Amen. 

- St. Teresa of Avila


 

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