Advent Meditations: Monday 17 December
| Mon Dec 17 |
am: 122, 145 pm: 40, 67 |
Is 29: 15-24 | 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Luke 22:39-53 |
Notes on the Liturgical Feast for Today : St Brieuc, Irish Monk and Missionary, 614 –
Born in British Cornwall, he came to Paris where he was ordained priest by St Germanus (not of Auxerre) in the year 549. The year after, he returned back to his country, converted his father, built churches and monasteries, erected Crosses and worked miracles.
On the day of Pentecost of 565 an angel ordered him to cross over the sea to preach the Holy Gospel to Brittany. He obeyed and landed near the mouth of river Jaudy and founded a monastery which later grew into the city of Treguier. Later he left with 84 monks , journeyed eastward and founded a new monastery on the location of the actual town of St Brieuc. He was elected bishop and died aged 90 in 614.
Today also begins the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil. It is the day which begins the chanting of the O Antiphons, as each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Many people sing these collectively to the John Mason Neal melody and know it as the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Biblical Meditation : Today’s lessons are taken from the Mission Society for the Reformed Church The N.T lesson is from the second epistle of Peter calls us to ponder our growth as Christians. As we consider this lesson we all know that growth is important, and that it is the normal result of life. Just as physical life results in physical growth, in the same manner our spiritual life should result in spiritual growth. Advent is a time that we can truly track such growth through undertaking the themes of each week and the Spiritual disciplines that accompany them. The words of Second Peter remind us that if growth does not take place, then we look for reasons or causes that may be hindering what should be happening normally. Here are 4 questions related to the Spiritual Growth called for this season for you to consider. 1) Do I Dare to Open Myself to God?
2) Is There Room in My Life for God?
3) Does God Really Want Me?
4) Where Is God Leading Me?
We use these questions to enter more deeply into the story of growth in Advent.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You have called us to grow in grace, to increase our understanding of Jesus and to develop a close and intimate relationship with You. Lord, this is what I desire to do, and I pray I may come to know You more and more each day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Spiritual Discipline /Activity – Mindful of the questions posed in the Reflection above, please answer the four questions outlined above as the discipline . Work with a prayer or ministry partner to share your ideas.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “To live is to change, and to change often is to become more perfect.” ― John Henry Newman
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