Advent Meditations: Tuesday 6 December
| Tues Dec 6 |
am: 26, 28 pm: 36, 39 |
Isa 5:13-25 | 1 Thes 5:12-28 | Luke 21:29-38 |
ON THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR: St. Nicholas of Myra, Bishop & Defender of the Faith, 343. While all agree, that Nicholas of Myra through the centuries has continued to be venerated because of his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, this is not the only Christian example he offers. Some may not know that Nicholas attended the first church ecumenical council in 325 held at Nicaea to address the heretic priest Arius false teaching. When confronted by the unyielding heretic Arias, Nicholas slapped him in the face. For such a breach of decorum, Nicholas was brought before Constantine, who stripped him of his office and had him thrown into prison. During the night, Jesus with his Mother Mary appeared to Nicholas: Jesus bringing the book of the Gospels, and Mary, the bishop’s stole which had been taken from him. In this way Nicholas was reinstated and was regarded by the Council Fathers as a defender of the faith as well as a wise and kind bishop and pastor.
Nicholas long before he was perceived as jolly or as sipping Coca-Cola, Nicholas was a Confessor—one who confessed Christ publicly in times of persecution, remaining faithful despite imprisonment, torture or exile. In the Middle Ages Saint Nicholas, along with Martin of Tours, was celebrated as a true people’s saint because of the way he lived. This was unusual as most early saints were martyrs who had died for their faith. Nicholas was surely an early example of a saint who was honored for the witness of his life. Nicholas was a saint whose life bore witness to God’s work through a life of social value, lived carrying out God’s will
BIBLICAL MEDITATIONS: As we journey in this second week of Advent, considering Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians and the call for the church to embrace the vocation of sanctification and holiness is worthy of our prayer and discernment. Advent can be a time that sanctifies those of us who enter into its rhythms which can be a pathway to transformation as the dynamics of the Annunciation and Incarnation become mysteries revealed. As each day of Advent passes, we can experience a deeper sense of God’s movements for the sanctification of ourselves and the world of the world. Each week has a theme that can offer new meaning encoded in the rituals, hymns, prayers, images, and texts particular to each day. Advent sanctification is crucial to have a profound experience of God’s unique spiritual Presence at Christmas.
ADVENT DISCIPLINE – Consider a true celebration of St. Nicholas Day. Host a St. Nicholas party or tea. Invite guests to bring an unwrapped gift for someone less fortunate, and you provide the wrappings. Contact a local shelter, nursing home, or hospital to ask what kinds of donations are most needed. Serve traditional St. Nicholas Day fare. And send out a note saying: Please join me for the cup that cheers, and make the season bright by bringing an unwrapped gift for someone very young or very old, December 6, 2–4 pm
Consider a true celebration of St. Nicholas Day. Host a St. Nicholas party or tea. Invite guests to bring an unwrapped gift for someone less fortunate, and you provide the wrappings. Contact a local shelter, nursing home, or hospital to ask what kinds of donations are most needed. Serve traditional St. Nicholas Day fare. And send out a note saying: Please join me for the cup that cheers, and make the season bright by bringing an unwrapped gift for someone very young or very old, December 6, 2–4 pm
PRAYER: O God our Father, we pray that through Your intercession of St. Nicholas You will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy in Your sight. Give them strength to keep their Faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Amen
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “What other time or season can or will the Church ever have but that of Advent!”-Karl Barth.
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