Pastoral Ponderings
Christmastide draws to a close with Epiphany. Although the date of Epiphany is technically January 6, many churches—including Good Shepherd—will celebrate it on the second Sunday after Christmas. On Sunday, January 3rd, the three “wise men” will join the crèche. The gospel lesson speaks of their seeking and finding a special child and of their listening to and following God’s leading. This passage can be read as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and as a guide for us as we seek God’s will in our journey of faith.
Beginning on January 7 we enter a period of “Ordinary Time,” also called the “Season after the Epiphany.” The liturgical color is green, although the very first Sunday in it celebrates the Baptism of our Lord when white is the liturgical color. This season ends with Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Pastoral Ponderings
Pastoral Ponderings:
December can be quite a busy time—as you can see by the various activities of our parish this month. Since Thanksgiving begins the secular season of pre-Christmas (we call it Advent), perhaps we can use on our time of waiting for the Incarnation—the birth of our Lord—to reflect on God’s blessing in our lives.
One of my friends commented that if we gave Thanksgiving as much attention as we did Christmas, perhaps we would be better prepared for the coming of Jesus. “Being grateful” becomes a way of life that welcomes the divine spirit into our lives.
As we plunge into the activity of this busy season, let us take time to remember God’s blessings to us and give thanks. A few moments of thanksgiving prayer at the beginning or end of each day might be enough to calm our frazzled days.
We should also pray for people who experience sadness with the coming of Christmas time. May God’s grace support them as they recall the loss that brings them grief. May they find comfort and hope in the love of their friends and family.
May the hope of Advent and the peace of Jesus Christ be yours today and always!
Elizabeth+
December can be quite a busy time—as you can see by the various activities of our parish this month. Since Thanksgiving begins the secular season of pre-Christmas (we call it Advent), perhaps we can use on our time of waiting for the Incarnation—the birth of our Lord—to reflect on God’s blessing in our lives.
One of my friends commented that if we gave Thanksgiving as much attention as we did Christmas, perhaps we would be better prepared for the coming of Jesus. “Being grateful” becomes a way of life that welcomes the divine spirit into our lives.
As we plunge into the activity of this busy season, let us take time to remember God’s blessings to us and give thanks. A few moments of thanksgiving prayer at the beginning or end of each day might be enough to calm our frazzled days.
We should also pray for people who experience sadness with the coming of Christmas time. May God’s grace support them as they recall the loss that brings them grief. May they find comfort and hope in the love of their friends and family.
May the hope of Advent and the peace of Jesus Christ be yours today and always!
Elizabeth+
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