The Hymns of Advent move me greatly, much more, truth be told, than do those of Christmastide. Advent hymns embody the yearning of the season for God among us, kindling within a desire for our Lord. This coming Sunday during Communion we sing a great favorite of mine (Hymnal #67):
“Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace thus saith our God; comfort those who sit in darkness mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.”
Each stanza builds upon the last, and I sense God’s Spirit with each questing line sung. We yearn, in the wake of the terror in San Bernardino, the sad notes sounded in American political theater, and in a world with fresh upset each morning, for the foundation of divine comfort and the peace which passes all understanding flowing from a knowledge and love of Christ.
Last Sunday evening our Choir, joined by additional choristers, stewarded us toward a glad Liturgy of Advent Lessons and Carols. A link below will take you to the parish You Tube site to view the Liturgy if you were unable to attend.
This coming week we observe Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, and the week after that, on Fourth Advent, our children assist us to make ready to receive our Savior in our annual Children’s Pageant. Quick on the heels of that event follows Christmastide!
May your Faith guard your heart as you stride this season, and the worries of the times in which we dwell.
Prepare ye the Way of the Lord,
GFW+
The appointed lessons for next Sunday, December 13th, Advent Three
You Tube Video of Lessons and Carols
The Rector’s December 4th article in the San Marino Tribune may be read on page A-16 HERE
FOUNDATION CRISTOSAL 2015 Annual Report
Read “The Lead” from Episcopal Café
The recent edition of Episcopal News from the Diocese of L.A. may be found HERE, and articles from the national Episcopal News Service HERE
