Epiphany II- Mark 1:1-11

Usually, the 1928 Book of Common Prayer uses the same sequence of propers as the 1662  BCP.  However, the medieval English Sarum liturgy which influenced Prayer Books omitted Christ's Baptism. In recognition of the ancient tradition connecting Christ's Baptism with Epiphany, the 1928 revisers placed a Gospel about the Baptism of our Lord (St. Mark 1:1-11) on this Sunday in the Epiphany season. This means that the sequence of readings for the Second through the Fourth Sundays after Epiphany are in a different order in the 1928 BCP. (The Sarum/1662 Gospel from Matthew 8:23 ff is omitted in the 1928 communion cycle although it and the synoptic parallels are read three times as daily office lessons.)

It is certainly appropriate that we should reflect upon our Lord's Baptism during Epiphany. Although Jesus of Nazareth did not need to be cleansed from any sin, He underwent this ritual of cleansing to give His followers an example and to dedicate Himself publicly to His mission. And as He did so, the Holy Spirit blessed Christ and His ministry while the heavenly Father proclaimed His approval of His only Son. 

Christ's Baptism is unique because Jesus Christ is unique. Yet, His Baptism does prefigure later Christian Baptism. Jesus provided a model for His followers. Every Christian Baptism is a uniting with Christ the only begotten Son, a blessing by the Holy Spirit, and an adoption as a child of God the Father.

What about the Thirty-Nine Articles?

Since the sixteenth century, Anglican Christianity has often struggled with its identity. Certain characteristics have been obvious, such as its liturgical worship rooted in the Books of Common Prayer, a deep respect for Scripture, and the continuation of the ministry of bishops, presbyters/priests, and deacons. 

One disputed question has been the position of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. At first, the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion were intended to establish broad theological boundaries for the Elizabethan Church of England (1562, 1571). The Articles can be described as an attempt at theological inclusiveness, but they have often occasioned (and sometimes still cause) debate or dissension. Although the Thirty-Nine Articles are an inescapable fact of Anglican history and are still printed in most Books of Common Prayer, many Anglicans have debated their authority and their precise meaning. Some Anglicans and many non-Anglican observers have viewed them as a strict definition of Anglican doctrine; other Anglicans have ignored the Articles or dismissed them as practically irrelevant. The original intent of the Crown, Parliament, and Convocation of clergy seems to have been more moderate than either extreme. They generally viewed the Articles as broad and comprehensive boundaries for English Christianity.

The Articles themselves reflect diverse influences- patristic Catholicism, Renaissance Christian Humanism, the Lutheran Reformation, the Swiss Reformation, and English ecclesiastical traditions. They exclude certain medieval and Counter-Reformation "Catholic" views, "Zwinglian" and Anabaptist sacramental views, and strict congregational or presbyterian ecclesiology. With these exclusions, they remain susceptible to varied interpretations. During the Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Caroline periods, the Articles were often interpreted from either "Calvinist" or "Arminian" perspectives, but they were also open to other quietly held interpretations. 

In conclusion, neither Anglicans nor other Christians can ignore the historical fact that the Thirty-Nine Articles are associated with Anglican heritage and identity. The Articles express some basic Anglican theological tendencies. They emphasize the authority of Scripture, affirm core teachings of the ancient Christian faith and the Creeds, assert the value of the Sacraments, and support three orders of ministry. They are also moderately "reformed" or "Protestant." Nevertheless, the Articles are open to different interpretations on many issues. They are not a statement of systematic theology. They are neither strictly Lutheran, Calvinist, Tridentine, nor liberal. Their teachings are affirmations of some basic Christian principles from a moderate Reformation perspective.

Epiphany I- Luke 2: 41-52

 On the First Sunday after Epiphany, traditional Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1928 focus on the visit of the twelve-year-old Jesus to the Temple. The epiphany or manifestation of the youthful Jesus in St. Luke 2:41-52 shows forth both His true humanity and His divine Sonship. In this contexr.  Luke 2:52 concludes, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

As a youth and throughout His life on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ embodied both unique and ordinary characteristics. He had a unique relationship with God the heavenly Father, but He knew that He was called to live as a real (and ideal) human being. As Luke indicates, Jesus experienced normal but perfected human growth and development. 

This mystery of the Incarnation calls for our faithful response. As Christians, we affirm the manifestation of God in Christ. The eternal Word has become flesh and lived among us as true man. While we are far from His perfection, we are called to follow Him. We seek divine grace to follow Him and grow in wisdom and holiness. 

Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2

This day, 6 January, marks the traditional Feast of Epiphany. This celebration is the third oldest Christian observance after the three days from Good Frida to Easter and Pentecost.  The word Epiphany means "manifestation," and the feast and its season remind us of the various ways that God manifested Himself in Jesus Christ. In the Eastern Churches, where the feast originated in the third century, the emphasis has centered on the manifestation at the time of Christ's Baptism. Since the fourth century in the Western Churches, including the Anglican tradition, the emphasis has been on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Magi or Wise Men.  

The Magi were Gentiles (non-Jews), and so this day and the following season are associated with the Christian mission to all the nations. God called the eastern Wise Men to come and adore the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Likewise, God calls each of us, regardless of our nation, ethnic group, language, etc., to come, worship, and follow Christ the newborn King. As Christmastide closes, let us continue to focus on the manifestation of the Incarnate Word in Jesus Christ. The light of God has shone in the Christ Child. We still seek His light, and we hope that His light will shine in our lives on those around us.

Christmas II

 The Second Sunday after Christmas does not occur every year, and some years such as this year, Christmas II is the Eve of Epiphany. So this Sunday has not developed a clear liturgical identity. Medieval service books and the 1549 Book of Common Prayer did not have any propers for the day. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer simply directed the continued use of the propers from the Circumcision of Christ. The 1928 American BCP, like some others of that decade, provided a collect and lessons. This lovely collect is from a medieval Christmas liturgy, and the lessons are from older services for the Eve of Epiphany. The Gospel from Matthew 2 looks to the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. In any case, on this day, we continue to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and look forward to His manifestation to the Gentiles.

The Collect for Christmas II:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 1- Octave of the Nativity- Luke 2:21

 Over the centuries, Christians have been uncomfortable with the celebrations of the new year on the first of January.  In order to avoid pagan associations, January 1 was not observed as New Year's Day in many parts of Europe between the fall of Rome and early modern times. On church calendars, this date has been associated with several liturgical observances over time. When Christ's Birth started being commemorated on 25 December, this eighth day of Christmas marked the end of Christmas week. There seems to have been an ancient Roman custom of emphasizing the role of Mary on this day, and in other parts of the Church, the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus were commemorated on this day. Since the 1970s, most Christians have focused on the Holy Name of Jesus. These associations are related to Luke 2:21 where we read. "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Whatever Christian tradition we emphasize, the primary importance of the first of January is not some neo-pagan indulgence; it is a day to continue thinking about the Incarnation of the eternal divine Word as Mary's Son Jesus. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself, come to save His people. God's plan for human salvation is what gives this day and every day their true significance. So let us begin the New Year by praising God and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

First Sunday after Christmas- Matthew 1:18-25- St. Joseph

 The Gospel for the Sunday after Christmas is Matthew 1:18-25. This Scripture highlights the often neglected role of St. Joseph in the Incarnation. Of course, Jesus Himself is the focus and the Virgin Mary is the highly favored one. Yet, Joseph must not be forgotten. He is a great example of a godly and honorable man. 

In his initial response to the unique pregnancy of Mary, Joseph is a merciful traditionalist. He wants to follow the rules as kindly as possible. But Joseph is also open to change for a good purpose. He hears and heeds the divine call, and in response to God's message, he accepts his vocation with courage and commitment. He is supportive of Mary. He cares for the blessed spouse and for the holy child entrusted to his care.  After the visit of the Wise Men, he leads Mary and Jesus into exile for safety from Herod's cruel slaughter of the Innocents, and later he returns the family to a settled life in Nazareth. Joseph is involved in the religious life of the holy family, as shown in the pilgrimage at Passover when Jesus was twelve. Joseph probably also oversaw young Jesus' basic education in the Scriptures and seems to have passed on his practical carpentry or cabinet-making skills.

In these and many unknown ways, Joseph fulfilled his sacred vocation as a human father. For all those who are human fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or mentors, Joseph is a great example of true manliness. For all Christians, he is an example of love, religious duty, and self-sacrifice. May his example encourage us all in our devotion to and service to Christ!

Holy Innocents- 28 December- Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2: 16-18

 On the fourth day of Christmas (28 December), the traditional calendar of the Church tempers our naive tendencies in celebrating the Nativity of Christ. Matthew 2 tells us about the cruel act of Herod, so-called the Great. Fearing the threat of Christ to his worldly power, the king ordered the execution of male children in Bethlehem under two years of age.

So the Birth of Jesus was not all filled with kindly sentimentality. Despite divine intervention in human history, the forces of evil, destruction, and death were still at work. The Christ Child became the object of hatred, and an attempt to eliminate Him killed His innocent contemporaries. Although God has done much to redeem human beings, our world is still the same. Many people still oppose God and still destroy the innocent to preserve personal power, wealth, comfort, convenience, etc.

Nevertheless, the evil acts of Herod and his family did not succeed in destroying God's truth, love, and grace incarnate in Jesus Christ. Herod's kingdom faded away, but the work of redemption in Jesus Christ continued. And so it is to our day. There is much evil and innocent suffering in the world, but the Redeemer and His work are not destroyed. Christ lives and His work continues and will continue to the end of the age and beyond!

St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr- 26 December- Acts 7

 In our time, the Twelve Days of Christmas and other holy days are neglected by most people, even by loyal communicants of the Church. Few probably pause to think of St. Stephen on this date. The story of Stephen is told in Acts 7. He was one of seven pious believers selected to assist the apostles as deacons. Soon he became the first martyr of the Church because of his brave preaching of the Gospel.

Some people may not understand observing a martyrdom on the day after Christmas. However, since the early days of the church calendar in the fourth century, the feast of the Nativity and that of St. Stephen have been bound together. From a spiritual and theological point of view, this connection is profound and meaningful. As in humility, God the Son is born on earth, so in humility His servant Stephen has his heavenly birthday. The very birth of Jesus to be our Redeemer is inseparable from His life and work that lead Him and us to the Cross. The Christmas celebrating continues, but as much as we like holidays, the joy is not found in worldly indulgence. True joy is sublime and profound; it is to be found in the message of Christ from Incarnation to Sacrificial Death to Resurrection. And St. Stephen is part of that story. Glory be to God on high!. 

Christmas

Merry Christmas! "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). Christmas is about the Birth of Jesus. The appropriate reaction to His Birth is briefly but admirably summarized in the antiphon for Morning Prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:

 Alleluia. Unto us a child is born; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

May the Christ Child (the eternal Word of God become flesh- John 1:14)) always be at the center of our Christmas celebrations! He has come to us and He keeps coming to us to be our Savior. A blessed Feast of the Nativity to all!

Advent IV- John 1:19-28

On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the Gospel from St. John 1:19-28 is another reference to the preparatory message of John the Baptist. When the Jerusalem authorities send representatives to ask who he is, John refuses the usual titles. He only acknowledges being "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3). He makes the way ready for the Lord; he baptizes with water to represent repentance and cleansing from sin. But the One coming after John is much greater. He is the reason for John's work of preparation, and He will bring the redemption that John's ministry only anticipates.

As Christians, we believe that the One whose way John prepared is Jesus, and we seek to prepare His way in our lives this week.  As Advent draws to a close, many people are busy with a variety of preparations for the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, people often lose sight of the spiritual preparations needed to celebrate Christ's Nativity. Most of us need to pay more attention to prayer, to meditation on Scripture, and to renewed efforts to prepare room for Christ in our hearts and in our lives. As we get ready to celebrate Christ's first coming in humility, let us not get too distracted. Let us remember that Jesus Christ keeps coming to us. He calls us to repent of our sins and accept His grace, mercy, and peace. Without Him, all our celebrations are empty. With Him in our lives, there is true joy in simple things!

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is the 21st of December. Because Thomas had doubts about the Resurrection of Jesus (John 20), we often associate St. Thomas with the Easter season, but he is also an appropriate example for contemplating Christ's Incarnation. Despite his initial doubts, Thomas encounters the risen Christ, and he makes a powerful confession of faith. In John 20:28, Thomas affirms his faith that Jesus the Christ is "my Lord and my God."  In other words, Thomas confesses that Jesus is God incarnate. 

So as Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on the truth of the Incarnation proclaimed by Thomas. The holy Child born in Bethlehem is our Lord and God, Immanuel, God the eternal Son and Word, come to us in human flesh. Thanks be to God for Thomas and his faith in Jesus Christ!

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.

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 8 December- Luke 1

Yesterday, December 8, is listed as a "Black Letter Day" or minor commemoration on the calendar of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. The eighth of December is a day traditionally called "The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary." Since it is not directly based on a specific Scripture event, the BCP does not provide it with liturgical propers, and some Anglicans have been hesitant to commemorate this day because we do not accept certain papal interpretations of her conception.

Nevertheless, the day is part of the Prayer Book tradition, and it is certainly appropriate for us to remember the blessed Virgin and honor her, especially during the season of Advent. The greeting of the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation echoes in our minds. As St. Luke 1. 26-28 says, AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.

While Anglicans have differing views about some traditions regarding Mary, we all agree that she was "highly favoured" and "blessed among women." Her role in God's plan of salvation and the Incarnation of God the Son was important and unique. The blessed Virgin should be respected, and she should inspire us to deeper devotion.

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.