As original Anglicans, we celebrate all the seasons of the church year with each season corresponding to the life of Christ. We now find ourselves in week 3 of Advent. It is the week to be prepared.The 1928 Book of Common Prayer gives us three looks, if you will, in the birth of Jesus the Messiah. First, we look back to the incarnation, the birth of King Jesus. Looking back provides us with the opportunity to be thankful for what Jesus has done. Next, we also look with great expectation to the return of King Jesus. As we look ahead we have the opportunity to ask God to make us ready for Jesus’ return.
Between these bookends of first and second comings our prayer book admonishes us to take a look at our lives, to be prepared. Are we ready for Christ’s second coming? Are we faithful? Are we living according to His purposes? Are we ourselves showing a reflection of Christ to the world?
Advent literally means “coming.” When we enter into this joyous season we look to the prayer book lectionary. It has scriptures which describe to us the coming of Jesus as Messiah. The days that precede Christmas provide us an opportunity to reflect and ponder the promises of God from beginning to end.
“Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”
Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent, 1928 BCP pg. 94
The Christmas Season can easily become a fast paced blur of parties, school functions, and endless shopping. We are bombarded by retail “XMAS” madness everywhere we turn. Advent, and especially Advent 3, is God’s invitation to shut the door on the busy world, to quiet our hearts and rediscover the meaning and the wonder of the coming of God’s Messiah.
Be Quiet, Be Listening, Be Ready,
+Ian
