Advent III- I Corinthians 4:1-5

For the Third Sunday in Advent, the readings from I Corinthians 4 and Matthew 11 point us to the theme of Christian ministry. This theme is especially appropriate because the traditional Advent Ember Days occur on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. For centuries, these days have called Christians to deliberate emphasis on the general ministry and mission of the Church, and especially on the role of the ordained ministry. All Christians share in ministry, and ordained deacons, priests, and bishops have special responsibilities.

The Epistle from I Corinthians 4:1-5 speaks of such Christian ministry. All Christians are called to ministry or service for Christ, but all too often we forget this, at least in practical daily speech and behavior. Every person baptized has been set aside and transformed by grace in the name of the Holy Trinity. This setting aside for service has a special application to the ordained ministry. In a special way, the clergy are called to be "stewards of the mysteries of God" (I Corinthians 4:1).

What are the mysteries of God? The mysteries are the core events of Christ's Gospel- from the Annunciation and Nativity to the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. These Scriptural mysteries are summarized in the ancient Creeds. These mysteries are also powerfully expressed in the Sacraments. The Christian Gospel becomes visible and immediate for us in the concrete Sacred Mysteries or Sacraments, in particular Baptism and the Eucharist. Every Christian is called to believe the mysteries of the Gospel and to participate in appropriate and faithful ways in the sacramental expression of these mysteries 

During this Advent, let us prepare for Christmas by contemplating the mysteries of the Gospel and their expression in the Sacraments. Let us be aware of our general calling to be faithful stewards of the Gospel according to our specific vocations. And let us pray that all Christians, especially those who are ordained, may be constantly renewed by divine grace for God's service.

Advent II- Holy Scripture- Luke 21:33

 In traditional Anglicanism, the Second Sunday in Advent emphasizes the importance of Holy Scripture. We see this importance highlighted in two verses from this Sunday's Bible selections. Romans 15:4 says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." In St. Luke 21:33, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." 

Thus, in theory, despite some differences in emphasis, all Christian groups acknowledge that the Bible is the great Christian authority. The Holy Scriptures are good and powerful, and they are the primary written documents for Christians. Yet, the Bible is not magic. People can have copies of the Bible that are never read. They can hear it read aloud in church without believing. They can read it in private without understanding it or applying it. So a true understanding and acceptance of Scripture depends upon divine grace and the working of the Holy Spirit. 

Anglicans would also add that we are indebted to other Christians who have taught us and witnessed to us. In some sense, we cannot separate Scripture from the catholic or universal Church. Anglicans honor the Scripture understandings of the ancient Church, and we do not think that we constantly have to come up with new interpretations of every passage. 

For Anglicans, Scripture is not read or understood in isolation. It is the primary authority, and it contains God's self-revelation for all generations of Christians. Despite some difficult passages, the basic and necessary teachings of the Bible are clear. But Scripture is best understood in the Church, past and present. Thoughtful believers of different times and backgrounds agree on the basics, and Christians of different perspectives have come up with summaries of Scripture such as the ancient Creeds (Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian). Believing and living in accordance with such Biblical principles are the "things necessary to salvation" (Article of Religion VI).

As we contemplate the coming of Christ the incarnate Word into the world, let us remember to respect the written Word in Holy Scripture. May we be open to reading, hearing, and learning from God's Word in the Bible throughout Advent and all the days of our lives!

St. Nicholas of Myra- 6 December- John 1:1

December 6 is the real traditional feast day of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Asia Minor (or modern Turkey). Bishop Nicholas was noted for several things such as caring for the poor, especially the young. Even more importantly in church history, this bishop was noted for being a defender of orthodox views of Christ at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325 AD. He really believed the words of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

So Nicholas' feast day is a good time to contemplate two points as we prepare for Christmas. 1) Advent and Christmas are about the identity of the Christ Child. Christmas is about the Incarnation; Mary's Child is God the Son who comes into the world as a human to save sinners. 2) Nicholas reminds us about the true Christian significance of giving gifts. As God gives us His Son and many other blessings, we give to those around us, especially those weak or in need. Just as St. Nicholas focused on faith in Christ, we should do likewise in our Advent preparations.